El peso de la herencia: la influencia de los modelos en la historiografía barroca

Abstract

The influence of Classic models throughout the Early Modern period was extraordinary and the weight of that influence was decisive on Baroque historiography. However, in time, their influence diminished and they were ultimately replaced by other less anachronistic models. Baroque historians received the influence of the Classics from the initial stages of their education and, as adults, were assiduous readers of Classic works. In spite of that dependency, it is apparent that the Classic contents was less understood and assimilated than the formal aspects. It is also evident that Greek and Latin works and authors had arrived to the Early Modern period via the Christian and medieval world. The objectives of this article are to analyze to what extent Baroque historians were still depended on Classic references; where they obtained those references and how they understood them; and finally, whether they were able to free themselves of the Classic influence.