Infanta Maria Teresa of Spain was born on July 12, 1638, as the daughter of King Philip IV of Spain and Queen Mariana of Austria. She was a member of the House of Habsburg and played a significant role in the royal lineage of Spain. Maria Teresa was known for her beauty and was often depicted in paintings by famous artists like Diego Velázquez. In 1660, she married Louis XIV of France, which strengthened the alliance between Spain and France. This marriage was part of a political strategy to secure peace between the two nations. Maria Teresa became the Queen Consort of France and had several children, contributing to the continuation of the royal line.