John V, Protector of the Library

In Portugal, the 18th century was a time of recovery. It gained independence from Spain, after a 60-year forced union. Gold, diamonds, tobacco, sugar, coffee, spices and slaves from the four corners of the world filled the kingdom's coffers. In this atmosphere of prosperity, King John V sought to reposition Portugal on the international political scenario, investing in the prestige of the crown, both internally and externally. He surrounded himself with the best that was being done at the time, with his eyes always on Papal Rome and the Paris of Louis XIV, which served as models for him. He sent for books and albums of engravings from Europe, as well as foreign artists and magnificent works. In return, he sent sumptuous embassies to Emperor Leopold I, Louis XIV and the Pope. In keeping with the cultural renewal movement that was making itself felt abroad, King John V took on the role of patron of knowledge and the arts.

Thus, when he had a library built, he wanted much more than just a useful and inexpensive house for books, as had been predicted at the outset. The Joanine Library is a fundamental part of a global strategy to celebrate a magnificent, enlightened monarch, the protector of knowledge. As we can see here, a protector of this library.