Obraz magnaterii w Pamiętniku Albrychta Stanisława Radziwiłła

Abstract

The Memoirs of Albrycht Stanisław Radziwiłł belong to the most eminent narrative sources of the Old Polish period. It was written by the representative of one of the most famous Polish families. He was an extremely rich and influential man living in 1593-1656, who held the office of Grand Lithuanian Chancellor and enjoyed trust of successive kings from the Vasa dynasty. Having access to many state secrets, he was familiar with the realities of that time. Hence, the author of the Memoirs was a representative of the then elite of nobility known as magnates. In his work he described events from 1632 to 1655 . Their analysis brings forth the characteristics of not only the Radziwiłł himself but the entire social class he derived from. Thanks to The Memoirswe may learn about the nobles' system of values, their lifestyle and attitude to their obligations. We learn about decision-making mechanisms, court intrigues, endeavors to win positions and offices, awards, alliances, and interests. We obtain a picture of the magnates from the perspective of their leading representative, who was aware of his own origin, ability, respect and prestige, which was complemented by the power entrusted to him in result of his position, access to the king and royal grace. Magnates formed a relatively small group. They believed that they deserved their position merely by their birth and that their innate and exceptional personality traits should be complemented by high offices providing them with real power. Public service they committed themselves to should be duly rewarded, preferably with rich grants. The king should not make decisions alone but always seek their advice. Other people, even nobles, should show them due respect. Magnates were not interested in admitting new members to their group. Therefore, stigmatizing aII possible ways of advancement and even treated those ennobled by the ruler himself with reserve.