Od "Rybeńki" do "Panie Kochanku". Zmiana wizerunku magnata w XVIII wieku

Abstract

The article presents a part of the magnates' image that was to guarantee a final political success. Two powerful magnates from the Radziwiłł family were compared herein. The author compared magnates' property and family affinities connected with their posts. With regard to physical features, they were very similar. However, they differed in relation to their concept of using these features to build their political image. It turned out that Radziwiłł "Panie Kochanku" showed a greater talent in taking advantage of his wealth and authority. He won the nobles' support thanks to courage, patriotism, commitment to the nobles' democracy, hospitality and wit. On the other hand, his father lacked such features and failed to gain public support.