The trace of Osiris: The Egyptian Myth in the Spanish Monarchy of Philip II

Abstract

The presence of ancient Egypt in Philip II’s time is located in the frame of the Egyptian myth reception during the second half of the 16th century Spanish Monarchy. Succinctly, the article studies how was articulated this reception and searches the so-called trace of Osiris: a trace drawn on Hispanic context through various contours. This fact led to a complex perception of Egypt, which was reflected in fields as diverse as mythical genealogies, historiography, studies on hieroglyphs and royal events related to the House of Austria. A completely transformed Egypt from its primeval canons, filtered by Greco-Latin sources, corrupted by the Biblical tradition; undermined by the Renaissance ideas; and interfered by Hermetic connotations. All in all, an egyptianizing Egypt which was installed in the symbolical and political culture of the Spanish Crown, playing a specific role in the propaganda and commemorative exercises of the Rey Prudente and contributing to profile his royal image.