Dissimulation and Subterfuge

Abstract This chapter focuses on Federico Borromeo Jr.’s stint as nuncio in Madrid and secretary of state in the papal court in the late seventeenth century. This period was overshadowed by the regency of Queen Mariana and the debate over her confessor, Johann Eberhard von Nithard, who was evicted from Spain. This chapter reveals how Borromeo acted as a leading broker in Nithard’s eviction and subsequent promotion to the cardinalate, arguing that his operation through privy correspondence was indicative of his role as a servant of the dominant faction in the Madrid court. Federico used his public offices to advance causes of potential patrons, hoping to be rewarded. This modus operandi led to a creation of secret channels within institutions officially committed to the defense of the common good. Federico Borromeo was thus able to outwardly overcome the contradiction between factional interests and the common good that had plagued his brother Giovanni.