Gaspar Aguilar

Who is Gaspar Aguilar?

Gaspar Aguilar was a Valencian poet and dramatist of the Spanish Golden Age. Born in Valencia into humble social conditions, he ended up frequenting the nobility as secretary of the Count of Sinarcas, and as steward to the Dukes of Gandia.

His poetry adapted itself to the needs and circumstances of his patrons: for religious festivals, celebrations and official events. He was one of the founders of l’Acadèmia dels Nocturns, for which he adopted the pen name of Sombra, meaning "Shade". In the Academy proceedings eight of his poems and four of his speeches are to be found.

Aguilar competed in a dozen poetry competitions in Valencia in the years 1592, 1606 and 1619. He is the author of the story Fiestes nuptciales, and of the anti-Moorish poem Expulsion de los moros en España.

His “new comedies” including ‘La nuera humilde’, ‘La gitana melancolica’ and ‘Los amantes de Cartago’ stand out for their use of complex scenic resources. ‘Les Rimas humanas i divinas’ compiled well into the 17th century, is a compilation of his most important lyrical works.