Joseph de Margarit was a Catalan nobleman. Baron of Aguilar, Count of Osona, Viscount of Cabrera, Lord of the Castles of the Baronies of Vallespinosa, Biure, Preixens, Santa Perpetua de Gaia, Llacuna and Castell d'Empordá, Governor of Catalonia during the war of the Segadors, Lieutenant of the militias of the Generalitat, fervent opponent to his cousin the viceroy of Catalonia Dalmau III de Queralt Count of Santa Coloma, and Felipe IV, He was ambassador of the Generalitat in the court of Luis XIII of France, where he met with the Cardinal Mazarino offering loyalty to the Gallic crown, after the signature of the treaty of the Pyrenees (1659) between the Hispanic and French monarchies, Felipe IV confiscated all the properties to the Margarit, together with his children he moved to Perpignan and later to the castle of Salses where he died at the age of 83 years.
Louis XIV of France rewarded his loyalty by naming him Marquis of Aguilar, Baron of Brens and Lord of Tuis and Toluges.
When arriving to the throne of Spain, Felipe V grandson of Luis XIV of France pardoned the Margarit descendants, restoring their properties and noble titles.
ICONOGRAFÍA / ICONOGRAPHY
Armadura de placas:
Luce una coraza de acero grabada y tachonada con remaches, elemento característico de los retratos nobiliarios y militares del siglo XVII que simboliza el mando táctico, la valentía y el estatus social. Banda militar:
Cruzando el pecho sobre el hombro izquierdo se aprecia la banda de oficial militar, símbolo distintivo de la alta graduación y de su condición de Teniente General de los ejércitos. Valona lisa:
Cuello de tela blanca plano sin encaje (col rabat), moda de mediados del siglo XVII sobria y alineada con la indumentaria militar y cortesana franco-española de la época. Simbología y elementos de representación: Fondo de batalla:
A la derecha, fuera del óvalo interior pero dentro del campo visual, se representa una escena de combate de caballería o asedio en un paisaje montañoso. Este recurso alegórico alude directamente a sus campañas bélicas durante la Guerra dels Segadors. Escudo heráldico (superior izquierda):
Timbrado con corona marquesal y cuartelado con las armas de la casa de Margarit y sus títulos asociados, afirmando su linaje y soberanía sobre sus dominios. Corona de laurel (superior derecha):
Guirnalda vegetal que simboliza la victoria, la gloria militar y la lealtad reconocida por la corona. Cortinaje:
En la parte superior derecha cuelga un pesado cortinaje con borlas, elemento teatral propio del retrato barroco que dota a la figura de dignidad cortesana y autoridad institucional. Retrato y fisonomía: Rostro caracterizado por un amplio bigote peinado hacia arriba con puntas curvadas y melena larga e rizada, tipología propia de la elite militar centroeuropea y francesa durante el reinado de Luis XIII y los inicios de Luis XIV.
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Plate armor:
He wears a steel cuirass, engraved and studded with rivets—a characteristic feature of 17th-century noble and military portraits symbolizing tactical command, valor, and social status. Military sash:
Crossing the chest from the left shoulder is a military officer's sash, a distinctive symbol of high rank and his status as a Lieutenant General of the armies. Plain *valona* collar:
A flat, white fabric collar without lace (*col rabat*); this was a sober mid-17th-century fashion aligned with the Franco-Spanish military and courtly attire of the era. Symbolism and representational elements: Battle background:
To the right—outside the inner oval but within the field of view—a scene depicting a cavalry skirmish or siege set in a mountainous landscape is portrayed. This allegorical device alludes directly to his military campaigns during the Reapers' War (*Guerra dels Segadors*). Heraldic coat of arms (upper left):
Topped with a marquess's coronet and quartered with the arms of the House of Margarit and its associated titles, asserting his lineage and sovereignty over his domains. Laurel wreath (upper right):
A vegetal garland symbolizing victory, military glory, and loyalty acknowledged by the Crown. Drapery:
Heavy, tasseled drapery hangs in the upper right; this theatrical element, typical of Baroque portraiture, lends the figure courtly dignity and institutional authority. Portrait and physiognomy: His face is characterized by a large, upward-swept mustache with curled tips and long, curly hair—a style typical of the Central European and French military elite during the reigns of Louis XIII and the early years of Louis XIV.
