The personal archive of Fernando José de Velasco: intellectual and professional interests of an 18th-century magistrate

Abstract

In this paper it is reconstructed the personal archive of Fernando José de Velasco (1766-1788), an 18th-century magistrate who has a successful professional career and was actively involved in enlightened circles. The main objectives are gathering and organizing Velasco's preserved documentation –which is now dispersed and decontextualized– and thinking about the reasons of archive's creation based on the image that the magistrate wished to project of himself. To this end, it has considered the heterogeneity and diverse typologies and formats of personal archives; the magistrate's distinct facets and activities; and his interests and needs as the producer. In conclusion, it should be pointed out the importance of intellectual and professional activities in Velasco's archive. This image coincides with his profile as an enlightened minister, in which his erudite and bibliophile facet represents his socio-professional recognition.