Between renaissance and counter-reformation: Shaping the historical memory of D. Francisco Coutinho, 3RD earl of redondo (1546-1564)

Portrayed as a brilliant Renaissance figure that combined success in the military with the love for knowledge, D. Francisco's patronage is well-known. This article compares the post-mortem written memory of Coutinho with an evaluation of the offices he held: the captaincy of Arzila (1546-1549) and the viceroyalty of India (1561-1564). The household and stay of D. Francisco at Arzila are analysed, as well as his strategy for recovering the royal grace, marked by his appointments to governor of the "Casa da Suplicação" (1559) and the viceroyalty of India (1561). At the viceroyalty, D. Francisco faced great expectations. Comparing Coutinho's policy with the orders he received it is possible to ascertain whether the expectations of his appointment were fulfilled. This article reflects on the relations between different identities within the Portuguese Empire while focusing in a case-study of the shaping of historical memory.