Pedro Calderón de la Barca was a prominent Spanish playwright and poet of the Golden Age, born in 1600 and passing away in 1681. He is best known for his contributions to the genre of Spanish Baroque theatre, where he explored themes of honor, love, and the complexities of human existence. His works often featured intricate plots and deep philosophical questions. One of his most famous plays is La vida es sueño (Life is a Dream), which examines the nature of reality and free will. Calderón's influence extended beyond theatre, impacting later writers and artists, and he remains a key figure in Spanish literature.