Antonio de Guevara and the Construction of the “Ideal Prince” Archetype, as Outlined in the Dial of Princes

Abstract

In the present paper, our aim is to show how Antonio de Guevara understood the notion or archetype of the “ideal prince”. Concurrently, we intend to undertake a critical reevaluation of the author’s underlying motivation in composing his notable work, Dial of Princes, which is, fundamentally, a fictional biography of the emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius. In his narrative discourse, the Franciscan makes use of the Christian creed and the cultural heritage of the Greco-Roman world to present a political vision that legitimated the monarch’s power. However, the ruler had to meet certain criteria to be worth of his position, such as being virtuous in every aspect of his daily life ― but more so in what concerns the governance of the republic ―, caring for his people, being pious and judging properly. Besides, the ideal prince must always seek peace and avoid war or conquest. To achieve this goal, he should follow the counsel of wise people and not make decisions that would contradict morality.