Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma

Alexander Farnese (1545-1592) was an Italian nobleman, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, and one of the most skilled generals of the late 16th century. Serving as Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, he led a highly effective military campaign to restore Spanish control over much of the region during the Eighty Years' War. His combination of military strategy and political negotiation made him one of Spain's most valuable commanders in the conflict.