Bárbara Coronel

Bárbara Coronel (c. 1643–1691)^[1], was a Spanish stage performer. Coronel was one of the more famous and popular performers of the era, known and celebrated for acting in masculine acting and style, often performing male parts.^[2] In fact, Coronel is reputed to have also dressed and behaved as a man in day-to-day life.^[1]

Coronel was born to Agustin and Maria Coronel, who were also actors. Coronel began acting when aged only 11, and eventually rose to managing a company of actors.

Coronel was involved in several scandals which attracted a lot of attention. In the most infamous scandal, Coronel was accused of the murder of Francisco Jalón, who was Coronel's husband.^[3] Shortly before Coronel would have been executed for the crime, Coronel's uncle, the actor Juan Rana, made a dramatic appeal, which successfully convinced the Inquisition to reverse the charges.^[1]