Publication detail

K potěše i užitku. Zvířecí dary v habsburské diplomacii doby vlády Rudolfa II.

Authors: Marek Pavel

Year: 2023

Type of publication: kapitola v odborné knize

Name of source: Zvířata a jejich lidé

Publisher name: Karolinum

Place: Praha

Page from-to: 292-308

Titles:

Language	Name	Abstract	Keywords
cze	K potěše i užitku. Zvířecí dary v habsburské diplomacii doby vlády Rudolfa II.	Studie se zabývá úlohou, již zvířecí dary sehrály v diplomacii mezi rakouskou a španělskou větví habsburské dynastie.	Rudolf II; Habsburkové; dary; diplomacie; zvířata; hispánská monarchie
eng	FOR PLEASURE AND BENEFIT. ANIMAL GIFTS IN HABSBURG DIPLOMACY DURING THE REIGN OF RUDOLF II	"The aim of this study is to present the significance and symbolic impact of animal shipments delivered between Prague, Vienna, and Madrid in the second half of the 16th and the early 17th centuries. The content analysis of the so-called cédulas de paso and diplomatic correspondence clearly shows that animals and animal remains were among the most common gifts exchanged between the Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs. In particular, horses and dogs were frequent gifts. However, exotic animals were often sent from Madrid to the imperial court and the Austrian archdukes’ courts, too. These were intended not only to please the recipients but also to strengthen the representation of the dynasty, as they demonstrated the vastness of the empire controlled by the House of Habsburg. Although Emperor Rudolf II gratefully accepted such creatures, the chosen method of propaganda could not have been to his liking. In the eyes of contemporary observers, the animals from Spanish overseas colonies were perceived primarily as symbolic proof of the power of the Spanish king, claiming his leading position in the family hierarchy. The power superiority of Philip II and his successor was reflected in the composition of the presents as well. The vast majority of the valuable animal curiosities remained on the Iberian Peninsula, while the emperor usually had to be content with their depictions. Despite the fact that during the reign of Rudolf II numerous consignments of animals were sent from Spain to the imperial court too, their contents clearly reflected the deteriorating relations between the two branches of the Austrian House."	Rudolf II; House of Habsburg; gifts; diplomacy; animals; Spanish Empire

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