were handled (until 1643) by the Count-Duke of Olivares. During his reign, Spain continued to decline politically and economically. Félix Lope de Vega y Carpio (1562–1635), famous Spanish writer. Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599–1660), famous Spanish painter (not yet very established at the time of the first novels). Thanks to the presence of Velázquez at his court, Philip IV was probably one of the most frequently portrayed monarchs in history. References External links Novels by Arturo Pérez-Reverte Historical novels by series Spanish novels Novels set in Madrid Fictional Spanish people