Palace Networks at the Court of Carlos II: Maria Anna of Palatinate-Neuburg’s Confessor, Gabriel Pontifeser, and the Queen’s German Chamber (1690–1700)

The arrival in Madrid 1690 of the future queen consort, Maria Anna Palatinate-Neuburg (1667–1740), second wife Spanish king Carlos II (1661–1700), also brought about establishment an unofficial palace faction known as German Chamber. Since members this were part Anna’s household, analysis their social activities gives insight into court practices during last decade II’s reign. This article intends to shed light on new networks and agency Chamber at court, particular, that queen’s confessor, Gabriel Pontifeser di Chiusa. By investigating within consort’s household enabled build secure achieve importance, reveals significant power wielded by foreign courtiers between 1700.