by Kallbrunner
[Front Matter and Table of Contents]: Title page and table of contents for Volume XI (1931) of the Communications of the Association for the History of the City of Vienna. It lists major articles on the struggle for Southeast German duchies (1276–1278), Joseph II during the 1848 movement, and the relationship between Voltaire and Maria Theresa. [The Struggle for the Southeast German Duchies 1276–1278: Historiography and Methodology]: Ferdinand Stöller introduces a study on medieval military history, focusing on the conflict between Rudolf of Habsburg and Ottokar II of Bohemia. He critiques existing historiography, specifically the works of Köhler and Delbrück, and discusses the challenges of using clerical narrative sources versus primary documents like charters and letters. He emphasizes that medieval wars were often 'partisan wars' (Parteigängerkrieg) rather than just major battles. [Source Criticism and Research Objectives for the 1276–1278 Campaigns]: The author evaluates the specific sources available for the campaigns of 1276 and 1278, noting an unusually high volume of surviving charters and letters. He defends the reliability of certain chronicles like the Reimchronik and Chronicon Colmarense against earlier skepticism. The section outlines the goal of the study: to provide a unified military-political analysis of the conflict as a single strategic entity rather than two separate wars. [Causes and Occasions of the War: The Rise of Ottokar II and the Election of Rudolf I]: This section details the political background leading to the conflict. It describes Ottokar II's expansion into Austria, Styria, and Carinthia during the Interregnum. Following the death of Richard of Cornwall, the election of Rudolf of Habsburg in 1273 challenged Ottokar's power. The author explains Rudolf's strategy of 'revindication'—reclaiming imperial lands—and the diplomatic maneuvering involving Pope Gregory X and the German electors that isolated Ottokar legally and politically. [Rudolf's Diplomatic Encirclement and the Internal Uprising in the Duchies]: Rudolf I builds a coalition against Ottokar II, securing allies like Meinhard of Tyrol and the Burgrave of Nuremberg. A crucial factor was the discontent of the local nobility in Austria and Styria under Ottokar's centralized rule. Archbishop Friedrich of Salzburg emerges as a key figure in organizing internal resistance. The section describes how Rudolf used legal mandates and diplomatic pressure to prepare for a military strike while Ottokar attempted to suppress the burgeoning rebellion. [The Campaign of 1276: Strategic Planning and the Invasion of Austria]: A detailed account of the 1276 campaign. Rudolf changes his strategy from a direct invasion of Bohemia to a strike through Austria, aided by the defection of Henry of Lower Bavaria. The campaign is characterized by a 'partisan war' in Styria and Carinthia led by local lords. Rudolf advances down the Danube, takes Klosterneuburg, and besieges Vienna. Facing internal revolts and Rudolf's superior diplomatic position, Ottokar is forced into the Peace of November 1276, relinquishing the Austrian duchies. [The Fragile Peace and the Path to the Final Conflict (1277–1278)]: The period between the 1276 and 1278 campaigns is marked by continued tension and 'partisan' skirmishes. Rudolf consolidates his hold on the duchies while Ottokar deals with internal rebellions (the Wittigonen). Diplomatic efforts, including the Treaty of May 1277, fail to resolve the underlying conflict. A pro-Ottokar conspiracy in Vienna led by Paltram and the Kuenringers is suppressed by Rudolf. Rudolf strengthens his alliance with King Ladislaus of Hungary, setting the stage for the final military confrontation. [The Campaign of 1278: Maneuvering on the Marchfeld]: The opening phase of the 1278 campaign. Ottokar invades Austria but wastes critical time besieging Drosendorf and Laa. Rudolf executes a bold maneuver, moving his forces to Marchegg to unite with the Hungarian army under King Ladislaus. The section describes the tactical scouting and skirmishes near Laa and the eventual positioning of both armies near Jedenspeigen and Dürnkrut on the Marchfeld. [The Battle of Dürnkrut: Tactical Analysis and Outcome]: A detailed tactical reconstruction of the Battle of Dürnkrut (August 26, 1278). The author describes the terrain, the composition of the armies (including Cuman light cavalry and heavy knights), and the three-wave attack formation. The turning point is the flank attack by Ulrich von Kapellen's hidden reserve. The battle ends in a decisive victory for Rudolf and the death of Ottokar II on the field. The aftermath includes the pursuit of the Bohemian forces and the securing of the battlefield. [The Settlement of 1282 and Strategic Reflections]: Following the victory, Rudolf occupies Moravia and negotiates a settlement for Bohemia with Otto of Brandenburg. The conflict concludes with the formal enfeoffment of Rudolf's sons, Albrecht and Rudolf, with the Austrian duchies in 1282, establishing the Habsburg power base. The author concludes with a theoretical reflection on medieval strategy, the importance of 'partisan warfare', and the role of fortified cities in 13th-century military operations. [Joseph II in the 1848 Vienna Movement: Historiographical Reception]: Friedrich Engel-Janosi examines the symbolic role of Emperor Joseph II during the 1848 Revolution in Vienna. He traces the evolution of Joseph's image from his death in 1790 through the Restoration, analyzing how figures like Herder, Goethe, and Georg Forster viewed his reforms. The section explores how Joseph II became a 'liberal legend' and a symbol for the 1848 revolutionaries who saw themselves as fulfillers of his enlightened legacy. [The Joseph II Legend in Vormärz Literature and the 1848 Uprising]: The author analyzes the use of Joseph II in political pamphlets and literature leading up to 1848. Writers like Schlosser, Rotteck, and poets like Grillparzer and Anastasius Grün utilized the 'Volkskaiser' (People's Emperor) image to critique the Metternich system. During the March days of 1848, Joseph's statue in Vienna became a focal point for demonstrations, symbolizing the demand for press freedom and constitutional reform. [The Radicalization of the Joseph Image and the End of the Revolution]: As the 1848 revolution radicalized, the image of Joseph II was adapted from a moderate reformer to a 'radical' spirit. The author describes the July 1848 celebrations at Joseph's monument involving the Frankfurt Parliament delegates and the Academic Legion. Even during the desperate October uprising, Joseph's ghost was invoked to bless the barricades. The section concludes with the accession of Franz Joseph I, who adopted the name of the 'Volkskaiser' while the actual revolutionary movement was suppressed. [Voltaire and Maria Theresa: French Cultural Influence in Baroque Austria]: Justus Schmidt explores the cultural exchange between France and Austria during the Baroque era. Despite political rivalry between Habsburg and Bourbon, French art, language, and lifestyle deeply influenced the Austrian court. The author traces these connections from the Middle Ages through the 18th century, highlighting the roles of figures like Prince Eugene of Savoy and Francis Stephen of Lorraine. He contrasts the 'Esprit' of Paris with the 'Gemüt' of Vienna. [French Artists and Intellectuals in the Leopoldine Era]: This section details the influx of French painters, engravers, and artists to Vienna and Prague during the reign of Emperor Leopold I. It highlights key figures such as Charles Herbel, who created the battle tapestries for the Hofburg, and Antoine Hannotin, who worked in Upper Austrian monasteries. The text also notes the presence of French enamel painters and engravers who contributed to the imperial court's cultural prestige. [French Influence on Arts and Crafts, Engineering, and Literature (1650-1700)]: Explores the broader French influence in Vienna beyond fine arts, covering goldsmithing, fashion, and military engineering. It details ambitious infrastructure projects like the proposed Danube-Oder-Vistula canal by François Lothar Vogemont and discusses the literary and scholarly contributions of French residents, including early memoirs of the Viennese court and the role of French publishers in the city. [French Musicians and Physicians in Early 18th Century Vienna]: Focuses on the French contribution to Viennese music and medicine. It mentions the lutenist Jacques de Saint-Luc and prominent physicians like Dr. François Billiotte and Paul de Sorbait, the latter being a rector of the University of Vienna who played a critical role during the plague and the Ottoman siege of 1683. [Prince Eugene of Savoy as a Patron of French Culture]: Examines Prince Eugene's pivotal role in transplanting French culture to Austria. Despite his political loyalty to the Habsburgs, Eugene remained culturally French, commissioning artists like Louis Dorigny for his city palace and Dominique Girard for the Belvedere gardens. The section discusses his architectural projects, his collection of battle paintings by Parrocel, and his correspondence regarding urban planning in Vienna. [Intellectuals in Prince Eugene's Circle: Mariette, Rousseau, and Montesquieu]: A detailed account of the French intellectuals associated with Prince Eugene, including the art historian Mariette and the poet Jean Baptiste Rousseau. A significant portion is dedicated to Montesquieu's stay in Vienna and Hungary in 1728, his impressions of Austrian society, and the potential influence of his political theories on the later administrative reforms of Maria Theresa and Haugwitz. [French Artists under Joseph I and Charles VI]: Covers the French artistic presence during the early 18th century, highlighting Jacques van Schuppen's reorganization of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. It also discusses Jean de Trehet's influence on Viennese garden design (Schönbrunn, Palais Schwarzenberg) and the founding of the Vienna Porcelain Manufactory by Claude Du Paquier. The section notes commissions sent to artists in Paris, such as Hyacinthe Rigaud. [The Lorraine Colony in Vienna: Science and Collections]: Describes the massive influx of French-speaking culture following Francis Stephen of Lorraine's marriage to Maria Theresa. It details the establishment of the imperial natural history and numismatic collections by figures like Valentin Jamerey-Duval and Jean de Bailou. The section also highlights the scientific contributions of Abbé de Marcy in physics and mathematics and Nicolas de Jacquin in botany. [Lorraine Artists and Architects: From Schönbrunn to the Hofburg]: Focuses on the artistic and architectural legacy of the Lorraine colony. It covers the work of painter Gabrielle Bertrand and the extensive engineering and architectural projects of Jean Baptiste Bréquin and Jean Nicolas Jadot. Jadot's contributions are particularly emphasized, including his designs for the Hofburg, the Menagerie at Schönbrunn, and his masterpiece, the Aula of the Old University of Vienna. [J. N. Jadot: Later Works and Architectural Legacy]: This segment details the later career of architect Jean Nicolas Jadot, including his work on the Royal Palace in Ofen (Buda) and his subsequent activities in Brussels and Lorraine. It discusses newly discovered plans for the Elizabethinerinnenkloster in Bratislava and drawings for Schloss Marimont, while also detailing unexecuted designs for a memorial church commemorating the imperial election of Franz I near Heidelberg. [Maria Theresia and French Cultural Influence in Vienna]: An exploration of the profound influence of French culture and artists at the court of Maria Theresia. The text lists numerous French painters (Liotard, Ducreux, Pillement), architects, and performers active in Vienna, highlighting the Empress's preference for French literature and theater. It also notes the significance of Jean Georges Noverre in ballet and the publication of French-language works and periodicals in Vienna, demonstrating the strong bilateral cultural interest between France and the Austrian monarchy. [Voltaire's Relations with the Austrian Court]: This section examines Voltaire's complex relationship with the Austrian Habsburgs, beginning with his early admiration for Prince Eugen and his correspondence with Jean Baptiste Rousseau. It details Voltaire's poetic tributes to Karl VI and Maria Theresia, his attempts to gain favor at the Viennese court, and his historical writings (such as 'Siècle de Louis XIV') which treated Austrian history with notable objectivity and cultural breadth. [Voltaire's Arrest in Frankfurt and Appeals to the Imperial Court]: This section details the abrupt end of Voltaire's stay in Berlin in 1753 and his subsequent arrest in Frankfurt on the orders of Frederick the Great. It documents Voltaire's desperate appeals to the Emperor in Vienna and Count Stadion, including his offer to share sensitive information and his request for a title or protection to escape his predicament. [Voltaire's Literary and Social Connections in Vienna]: Explores Voltaire's interactions with the Viennese aristocracy and his literary contributions to the Austrian court. It highlights his correspondence with Countess Bentinck, his poetic praise for Maria Theresa, and his contribution to the 1756 festschrift for the reorganization of the University of Vienna. The text also notes his shifting political stance during the Seven Years' War, initially favoring Maria Theresa over Frederick the Great. [Voltaire's Later Correspondence and Conflict with Van Swieten]: Covers Voltaire's later years and his interactions with figures like Kaunitz and Count Fekete. It specifically addresses Voltaire's sharp poetic attack on Gerhard van Swieten, the imperial censor, and the eventual cooling of relations between the philosopher and the Austrian court, culminating in Joseph II's refusal to visit Voltaire at Ferney. [Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the Austrian Court]: Examines the relationship between Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Austria, beginning with Joseph II's visit to Rousseau in Paris. It details Franz von Scheyb's attempt to solicit a contribution from Rousseau for the University of Vienna's festschrift and provides Rousseau's insightful response regarding the potential for sciences to corrupt or perfect human morals depending on the existing state of virtue. [Rousseau's Friendship with Sauttersheim]: A detailed account of Rousseau's deep friendship with Ignaz Sauttermeister von Sauttersheim, a young Hungarian who had worked in the Viennese archives. The section follows their intimacy, the subsequent scandals involving Sauttersheim, and Rousseau's attempts to verify his identity through Count Zinzendorf in Vienna, reflecting Rousseau's emotional investment in the relationship. [French Cultural Influence under Joseph II and the Emigrant Colony]: Surveys the broader French cultural impact in Vienna during the reign of Joseph II. It lists various French intellectuals, architects (like Canevale and d'Avrange), and artists active in Austria. It also describes the significant colony of French emigrants fleeing the Revolution, centered around the Prince de Ligne and the painter Vigée-Lebrun, and discusses the influence of French literature on Austrian writers. [Mozart, Voltaire, and the Legacy of Maria Theresa]: Concludes the discussion on French-Austrian relations by examining Voltaire's awareness of the young Mozart and Mozart's later harsh judgment of Voltaire. It touches upon the work of Viennese philosopher Count Windischgrätz and the rich tradition of memoir literature in Austria. The text ends with a tribute to Maria Theresa as a symbol of human integrity and naturalness on the 150th anniversary of her death. [Correspondence of Valentin Jamerey-Duval to the Duke of Nivernais]: A letter from Valentin Jamerey-Duval discussing the reception and censorship of Montesquieu's 'The Spirit of the Laws' in Vienna. He critiques the narrow-mindedness of the local censors while noting that the prohibition only increased public interest in the work, and expresses his belief that Empress Maria Theresa would appreciate the book despite its critical remarks on her ancestors' policies in Hungary. [Jacob van Schuppen and the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna]: A report by Jacob van Schuppen to the French Academy regarding the progress of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. He details the support from Emperor Charles VI, the acquisition of a new building (Schönbrunnerhaus), the establishment of prizes and medals, and the formal distribution of awards in the presence of high-ranking court officials. [Metastasio to Gregorio Guglielmi]: A brief letter from the court poet Metastasio to the painter Gregorio Guglielmi in Dresden. Metastasio praises Guglielmi's painting, mentions the support of Count Canale, and complains humorously about the overwhelming number of poets and solicitors who burden him with correspondence. [Thomas Aschbrenner on Jadot's Festival Decorations (1745)]: A detailed description by Thomas Aschbrenner of the elaborate festival decorations and illuminations designed by Jean Nicolas Jadot to celebrate the birth of Archduke Charles in 1745. The text explains the complex allegorical symbolism involving the Temple of Lucina, the union of Austria and Lorraine, and the virtues of justice and clemency represented through statues and inscriptions. [Correspondence of Count Kaunitz and Prince de Ligne]: Two letters involving major Enlightenment figures. First, Count Kaunitz writes to Voltaire regarding a package sent to Ivan Shuvalov, expressing his high regard for Voltaire's genius. Second, the Prince de Ligne writes to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, offering him a peaceful refuge on his estate in Belgium (Bel-Oeil) where he could live free from persecution, though Rousseau ultimately declined.
Title page and table of contents for Volume XI (1931) of the Communications of the Association for the History of the City of Vienna. It lists major articles on the struggle for Southeast German duchies (1276–1278), Joseph II during the 1848 movement, and the relationship between Voltaire and Maria Theresa.
Read full textFerdinand Stöller introduces a study on medieval military history, focusing on the conflict between Rudolf of Habsburg and Ottokar II of Bohemia. He critiques existing historiography, specifically the works of Köhler and Delbrück, and discusses the challenges of using clerical narrative sources versus primary documents like charters and letters. He emphasizes that medieval wars were often 'partisan wars' (Parteigängerkrieg) rather than just major battles.
Read full textThe author evaluates the specific sources available for the campaigns of 1276 and 1278, noting an unusually high volume of surviving charters and letters. He defends the reliability of certain chronicles like the Reimchronik and Chronicon Colmarense against earlier skepticism. The section outlines the goal of the study: to provide a unified military-political analysis of the conflict as a single strategic entity rather than two separate wars.
Read full textThis section details the political background leading to the conflict. It describes Ottokar II's expansion into Austria, Styria, and Carinthia during the Interregnum. Following the death of Richard of Cornwall, the election of Rudolf of Habsburg in 1273 challenged Ottokar's power. The author explains Rudolf's strategy of 'revindication'—reclaiming imperial lands—and the diplomatic maneuvering involving Pope Gregory X and the German electors that isolated Ottokar legally and politically.
Read full textRudolf I builds a coalition against Ottokar II, securing allies like Meinhard of Tyrol and the Burgrave of Nuremberg. A crucial factor was the discontent of the local nobility in Austria and Styria under Ottokar's centralized rule. Archbishop Friedrich of Salzburg emerges as a key figure in organizing internal resistance. The section describes how Rudolf used legal mandates and diplomatic pressure to prepare for a military strike while Ottokar attempted to suppress the burgeoning rebellion.
Read full textA detailed account of the 1276 campaign. Rudolf changes his strategy from a direct invasion of Bohemia to a strike through Austria, aided by the defection of Henry of Lower Bavaria. The campaign is characterized by a 'partisan war' in Styria and Carinthia led by local lords. Rudolf advances down the Danube, takes Klosterneuburg, and besieges Vienna. Facing internal revolts and Rudolf's superior diplomatic position, Ottokar is forced into the Peace of November 1276, relinquishing the Austrian duchies.
Read full textThe period between the 1276 and 1278 campaigns is marked by continued tension and 'partisan' skirmishes. Rudolf consolidates his hold on the duchies while Ottokar deals with internal rebellions (the Wittigonen). Diplomatic efforts, including the Treaty of May 1277, fail to resolve the underlying conflict. A pro-Ottokar conspiracy in Vienna led by Paltram and the Kuenringers is suppressed by Rudolf. Rudolf strengthens his alliance with King Ladislaus of Hungary, setting the stage for the final military confrontation.
Read full textThe opening phase of the 1278 campaign. Ottokar invades Austria but wastes critical time besieging Drosendorf and Laa. Rudolf executes a bold maneuver, moving his forces to Marchegg to unite with the Hungarian army under King Ladislaus. The section describes the tactical scouting and skirmishes near Laa and the eventual positioning of both armies near Jedenspeigen and Dürnkrut on the Marchfeld.
Read full textA detailed tactical reconstruction of the Battle of Dürnkrut (August 26, 1278). The author describes the terrain, the composition of the armies (including Cuman light cavalry and heavy knights), and the three-wave attack formation. The turning point is the flank attack by Ulrich von Kapellen's hidden reserve. The battle ends in a decisive victory for Rudolf and the death of Ottokar II on the field. The aftermath includes the pursuit of the Bohemian forces and the securing of the battlefield.
Read full textFollowing the victory, Rudolf occupies Moravia and negotiates a settlement for Bohemia with Otto of Brandenburg. The conflict concludes with the formal enfeoffment of Rudolf's sons, Albrecht and Rudolf, with the Austrian duchies in 1282, establishing the Habsburg power base. The author concludes with a theoretical reflection on medieval strategy, the importance of 'partisan warfare', and the role of fortified cities in 13th-century military operations.
Read full textFriedrich Engel-Janosi examines the symbolic role of Emperor Joseph II during the 1848 Revolution in Vienna. He traces the evolution of Joseph's image from his death in 1790 through the Restoration, analyzing how figures like Herder, Goethe, and Georg Forster viewed his reforms. The section explores how Joseph II became a 'liberal legend' and a symbol for the 1848 revolutionaries who saw themselves as fulfillers of his enlightened legacy.
Read full textThe author analyzes the use of Joseph II in political pamphlets and literature leading up to 1848. Writers like Schlosser, Rotteck, and poets like Grillparzer and Anastasius Grün utilized the 'Volkskaiser' (People's Emperor) image to critique the Metternich system. During the March days of 1848, Joseph's statue in Vienna became a focal point for demonstrations, symbolizing the demand for press freedom and constitutional reform.
Read full textAs the 1848 revolution radicalized, the image of Joseph II was adapted from a moderate reformer to a 'radical' spirit. The author describes the July 1848 celebrations at Joseph's monument involving the Frankfurt Parliament delegates and the Academic Legion. Even during the desperate October uprising, Joseph's ghost was invoked to bless the barricades. The section concludes with the accession of Franz Joseph I, who adopted the name of the 'Volkskaiser' while the actual revolutionary movement was suppressed.
Read full textJustus Schmidt explores the cultural exchange between France and Austria during the Baroque era. Despite political rivalry between Habsburg and Bourbon, French art, language, and lifestyle deeply influenced the Austrian court. The author traces these connections from the Middle Ages through the 18th century, highlighting the roles of figures like Prince Eugene of Savoy and Francis Stephen of Lorraine. He contrasts the 'Esprit' of Paris with the 'Gemüt' of Vienna.
Read full textThis section details the influx of French painters, engravers, and artists to Vienna and Prague during the reign of Emperor Leopold I. It highlights key figures such as Charles Herbel, who created the battle tapestries for the Hofburg, and Antoine Hannotin, who worked in Upper Austrian monasteries. The text also notes the presence of French enamel painters and engravers who contributed to the imperial court's cultural prestige.
Read full textExplores the broader French influence in Vienna beyond fine arts, covering goldsmithing, fashion, and military engineering. It details ambitious infrastructure projects like the proposed Danube-Oder-Vistula canal by François Lothar Vogemont and discusses the literary and scholarly contributions of French residents, including early memoirs of the Viennese court and the role of French publishers in the city.
Read full textFocuses on the French contribution to Viennese music and medicine. It mentions the lutenist Jacques de Saint-Luc and prominent physicians like Dr. François Billiotte and Paul de Sorbait, the latter being a rector of the University of Vienna who played a critical role during the plague and the Ottoman siege of 1683.
Read full textExamines Prince Eugene's pivotal role in transplanting French culture to Austria. Despite his political loyalty to the Habsburgs, Eugene remained culturally French, commissioning artists like Louis Dorigny for his city palace and Dominique Girard for the Belvedere gardens. The section discusses his architectural projects, his collection of battle paintings by Parrocel, and his correspondence regarding urban planning in Vienna.
Read full textA detailed account of the French intellectuals associated with Prince Eugene, including the art historian Mariette and the poet Jean Baptiste Rousseau. A significant portion is dedicated to Montesquieu's stay in Vienna and Hungary in 1728, his impressions of Austrian society, and the potential influence of his political theories on the later administrative reforms of Maria Theresa and Haugwitz.
Read full textCovers the French artistic presence during the early 18th century, highlighting Jacques van Schuppen's reorganization of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. It also discusses Jean de Trehet's influence on Viennese garden design (Schönbrunn, Palais Schwarzenberg) and the founding of the Vienna Porcelain Manufactory by Claude Du Paquier. The section notes commissions sent to artists in Paris, such as Hyacinthe Rigaud.
Read full textDescribes the massive influx of French-speaking culture following Francis Stephen of Lorraine's marriage to Maria Theresa. It details the establishment of the imperial natural history and numismatic collections by figures like Valentin Jamerey-Duval and Jean de Bailou. The section also highlights the scientific contributions of Abbé de Marcy in physics and mathematics and Nicolas de Jacquin in botany.
Read full textFocuses on the artistic and architectural legacy of the Lorraine colony. It covers the work of painter Gabrielle Bertrand and the extensive engineering and architectural projects of Jean Baptiste Bréquin and Jean Nicolas Jadot. Jadot's contributions are particularly emphasized, including his designs for the Hofburg, the Menagerie at Schönbrunn, and his masterpiece, the Aula of the Old University of Vienna.
Read full textThis segment details the later career of architect Jean Nicolas Jadot, including his work on the Royal Palace in Ofen (Buda) and his subsequent activities in Brussels and Lorraine. It discusses newly discovered plans for the Elizabethinerinnenkloster in Bratislava and drawings for Schloss Marimont, while also detailing unexecuted designs for a memorial church commemorating the imperial election of Franz I near Heidelberg.
Read full textAn exploration of the profound influence of French culture and artists at the court of Maria Theresia. The text lists numerous French painters (Liotard, Ducreux, Pillement), architects, and performers active in Vienna, highlighting the Empress's preference for French literature and theater. It also notes the significance of Jean Georges Noverre in ballet and the publication of French-language works and periodicals in Vienna, demonstrating the strong bilateral cultural interest between France and the Austrian monarchy.
Read full textThis section examines Voltaire's complex relationship with the Austrian Habsburgs, beginning with his early admiration for Prince Eugen and his correspondence with Jean Baptiste Rousseau. It details Voltaire's poetic tributes to Karl VI and Maria Theresia, his attempts to gain favor at the Viennese court, and his historical writings (such as 'Siècle de Louis XIV') which treated Austrian history with notable objectivity and cultural breadth.
Read full textThis section details the abrupt end of Voltaire's stay in Berlin in 1753 and his subsequent arrest in Frankfurt on the orders of Frederick the Great. It documents Voltaire's desperate appeals to the Emperor in Vienna and Count Stadion, including his offer to share sensitive information and his request for a title or protection to escape his predicament.
Read full textExplores Voltaire's interactions with the Viennese aristocracy and his literary contributions to the Austrian court. It highlights his correspondence with Countess Bentinck, his poetic praise for Maria Theresa, and his contribution to the 1756 festschrift for the reorganization of the University of Vienna. The text also notes his shifting political stance during the Seven Years' War, initially favoring Maria Theresa over Frederick the Great.
Read full textCovers Voltaire's later years and his interactions with figures like Kaunitz and Count Fekete. It specifically addresses Voltaire's sharp poetic attack on Gerhard van Swieten, the imperial censor, and the eventual cooling of relations between the philosopher and the Austrian court, culminating in Joseph II's refusal to visit Voltaire at Ferney.
Read full textExamines the relationship between Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Austria, beginning with Joseph II's visit to Rousseau in Paris. It details Franz von Scheyb's attempt to solicit a contribution from Rousseau for the University of Vienna's festschrift and provides Rousseau's insightful response regarding the potential for sciences to corrupt or perfect human morals depending on the existing state of virtue.
Read full textA detailed account of Rousseau's deep friendship with Ignaz Sauttermeister von Sauttersheim, a young Hungarian who had worked in the Viennese archives. The section follows their intimacy, the subsequent scandals involving Sauttersheim, and Rousseau's attempts to verify his identity through Count Zinzendorf in Vienna, reflecting Rousseau's emotional investment in the relationship.
Read full textSurveys the broader French cultural impact in Vienna during the reign of Joseph II. It lists various French intellectuals, architects (like Canevale and d'Avrange), and artists active in Austria. It also describes the significant colony of French emigrants fleeing the Revolution, centered around the Prince de Ligne and the painter Vigée-Lebrun, and discusses the influence of French literature on Austrian writers.
Read full textConcludes the discussion on French-Austrian relations by examining Voltaire's awareness of the young Mozart and Mozart's later harsh judgment of Voltaire. It touches upon the work of Viennese philosopher Count Windischgrätz and the rich tradition of memoir literature in Austria. The text ends with a tribute to Maria Theresa as a symbol of human integrity and naturalness on the 150th anniversary of her death.
Read full textA letter from Valentin Jamerey-Duval discussing the reception and censorship of Montesquieu's 'The Spirit of the Laws' in Vienna. He critiques the narrow-mindedness of the local censors while noting that the prohibition only increased public interest in the work, and expresses his belief that Empress Maria Theresa would appreciate the book despite its critical remarks on her ancestors' policies in Hungary.
Read full textA report by Jacob van Schuppen to the French Academy regarding the progress of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. He details the support from Emperor Charles VI, the acquisition of a new building (Schönbrunnerhaus), the establishment of prizes and medals, and the formal distribution of awards in the presence of high-ranking court officials.
Read full textA brief letter from the court poet Metastasio to the painter Gregorio Guglielmi in Dresden. Metastasio praises Guglielmi's painting, mentions the support of Count Canale, and complains humorously about the overwhelming number of poets and solicitors who burden him with correspondence.
Read full textA detailed description by Thomas Aschbrenner of the elaborate festival decorations and illuminations designed by Jean Nicolas Jadot to celebrate the birth of Archduke Charles in 1745. The text explains the complex allegorical symbolism involving the Temple of Lucina, the union of Austria and Lorraine, and the virtues of justice and clemency represented through statues and inscriptions.
Read full textTwo letters involving major Enlightenment figures. First, Count Kaunitz writes to Voltaire regarding a package sent to Ivan Shuvalov, expressing his high regard for Voltaire's genius. Second, the Prince de Ligne writes to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, offering him a peaceful refuge on his estate in Belgium (Bel-Oeil) where he could live free from persecution, though Rousseau ultimately declined.
Read full text