Joseph Bonaparte (1768-1844) was a French politician and brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. He was born in Figueres, France, and studied law at the University of Paris. Initially, he served as a judge and diplomat and in 1806, Napoleon appointed him King of Spain, a position he held until 1808. His reign was marked by efforts to modernize the Spanish state, but he faced strong resistance from the Spanish and British. After leaving Spain, Joseph settled in the United States, where he became involved in art collecting and politics.

As for Joseph Bonaparte’s participation in Freemasonry, he was initiated into the Lodge “La Parfaite Sincérité” in Marseille in 1793.

In 1804, Joseph was appointed Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France, a position he held until 1815. During his tenure, he played an important role in the reorganization and expansion of Freemasonry in France, overseeing the establishment of several lodges and promoting the principles of the Enlightenment.

In 1809, he founded the Grand Lodge of Spain, further extending his influence on Freemasonry. His leadership roles in the Grand Orient of France and the Grand Lodge of Spain indicate a high level of involvement and responsibility in the Masonic Fraternity.

He died in New Jersey in 1844.