JOHN, DON (1629-1679), of Austria, the younger, was recognized as the natural son of Philip IV., king of Spain, his mother, Maria Calderon, or Calderona, being an actress. Scandal accused her of a prodigality of favours which must have rendered the paternity of Don John very dubious. He was, however, recognized by the king, received a princely education at °calla, and was amply endowed with commanderies in the military orders and other forms of income. Don John was sent in 1647 to Naples to support the viceroy against the popular rising led by Masaniello. He was then made viceroy of Sicily but in 1651 recalled to com plete the pacification of Catalonia, presiding over the final siege of Barcelona and the convention which terminated the revolt in October 1652. On both occasions he had played the peacemaker, and this sympathetic part, combined with his own pleasant man ners and handsome person with bright eyes and abundant raven black hair—a complete contrast to the fair complexions of the Habsburgs—made him a popular favourite. In 1656 he was sent to command in Flanders, in combination with the prince of Conde, then in revolt against his own sovereign. At Valenciennes in 1656, Don John displayed brilliant personal courage at the head of a cavalry charge, but was completely defeated at the Dunes in 1658 by Turenne. During 1661 and 1662 he commanded against
the Portuguese in Estremadura, with some success until in 1663 the Portuguese were reinforced by English troops, and put under the command of the Huguenot Schomberg. By him Don John was completely beaten at Estremos. The unsuccessful campaign was partly due to Don John's own indolence; but it was chiefly the jealousy of his father's wife, Queen Mariana, that caused him to be removed from command and sent to his commandery at Consuegra. After the death of Philip IV. in 1665 Don John be came the recognized leader of the opposition to the government of Philip's widow, the queen regent, against whom he headed a rising of Aragon and Catalonia, which led to the expulsion of her favourite, Nithard (1669). Don John was, however, forced to content himself with the viceroyalty of Aragon. In 1677, the queen mother having aroused universal opposition, Don John was able to drive her from court, and establish himself as prime minister. Great hopes were entertained of his administration, but it proved disappointing and was of short duration. He died on Sept. 17, 1679.