Ferdinand Bonaventura I, Count Harrach facts for kids
Ferdinand Bonaventura, Count of Harrach (born July 14, 1637 – died June 15, 1706) was an important Austrian statesman, diplomat, and courtier. He belonged to the noble Harrach family and was a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, a very special award. He also owned large lands in Austria and Bohemia. To tell him apart from his grandson, who had the same name, people often call him Ferdinand Bonaventura I.
Early Life and Education
Ferdinand Bonaventura was the only son of Otto Friedrich Harrach and Lavinia Gonzaga-Novellara. Both of his parents died when he was very young. His uncle, Cardinal Ernst Adalbert von Harrach, became his guardian.
From 1655 to 1657, Ferdinand went on a "cavalier tour." This was a common trip for young noblemen to travel and learn about other countries. He visited France, Flanders, and Germany. In 1658, he attended the coronation of Leopold I in Frankfurt. After that, he continued his travels in Italy.
Career at Court
After returning to Vienna, Ferdinand Bonaventura quickly became important at the Imperial Court. In 1661, he received the Order of the Golden Fleece, a high honor. He joined the Imperial Court Council in 1663.
As a diplomat, he represented the Emperor in Paris from 1668 to 1671. He was there for the baptism of Louis XIV's second son. From 1671 to 1674, he was the Supreme Marshal of the Imperial Court. This meant he was in charge of many court ceremonies and staff.
Diplomatic Missions
Ferdinand Bonaventura served as an ambassador to Madrid, Spain, from 1673 to 1677. After returning, he became the Oberstallmeister (Chief Stable Master) from 1677 to 1699. He was also a member of the Privy Council from 1677. This group advised the Emperor on important matters. He became one of the most influential people in the Habsburg monarchy.
In 1697 and 1698, he went on another important diplomatic mission to Spain. His job was to protect the interests of the Austrian Habsburg family. This was because the Spanish royal family was expected to have no more heirs. He tried to make sure the Austrian Habsburgs would inherit the Spanish throne. However, he was not successful. This eventually led to the Spanish War of Succession (1700-1714).
After this mission, he became the Obersthofmeister (Chief Court Master) from 1699 to 1705. In this role, he also led the Privy Council. He had a big say in how Emperor Leopold I handled foreign policy.
Ferdinand Bonaventura lost his high position when Joseph I became Emperor. Joseph I replaced many top officials with his own trusted people.
Ferdinand Bonaventura died in Karlovy Vary at age 69 while getting medical treatment. He is buried in the Church of St. Augustine in Vienna.
Family Life
Ferdinand Bonaventura's important position at court was also helped by his marriage. He married Countess Johanna Theresa of Lamberg (1639–1716). She was the daughter of Johann Maximilian von Lamberg, another powerful statesman. They got married in Madrid, where Johanna Theresa was a lady-in-waiting to the Queen of Spain.
They had nine children together, including:
- Karl Graf von Harrach (1662-1686): He was killed during the Siege of Buda (1686) and had no children.
- Franz Anton von Harrach (1665–1727): He became the Archbishop of Salzburg.
- Aloys Thomas Raimund, Count Harrach (1669–1742): He served as the viceroy of Naples and had children.
- Johann Philipp von Harrach (1678–1764): He became a Field Marshal and President of the Court War Council. He had no children.
Sources
- BLKÖ:Harrach, Ferdinand Bonaventura (I.)
- Deutsche Biographie: Harrach, Ferdinand Bonaventura Graf von
- ADB:Harrach, Ferdinand Bonaventura Graf von
See also
In Spanish: Ferdinand Bonaventura von Harrach para niños
