José Nicolás de Azara facts for kids
Don José Nicolás de Azara y Perera (born December 5, 1730 – died January 26, 1804) was an important diplomat from Spain. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations, helping to keep peace and good relationships.
Contents
Early Life and Work in Rome
.jpg)
José Nicolás de Azara was born in a place called Barbunales in Aragon, Spain. In 1765, he was sent to Rome, Italy, to work for Spain. He later became the Spanish ambassador there in 1785. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country.
During his many years in Rome, Azara became known for two main things:
- He collected many old Italian art pieces and artifacts.
- He supported artists and helped them with their work.
He was a big fan of Johann Joachim Winckelmann, a famous art historian. Azara even bought a special portrait of Winckelmann after he passed away. Some of the ancient items in his collection came from digs he led near Rome.
Important Diplomatic Missions
Azara was a very skilled and busy diplomat. He played a key role in some big events:
- He helped with the difficult task of removing the Jesuits from Spain. The Jesuits were a powerful religious group at the time.
- He was important in helping Pope Pius VI get elected as the leader of the Catholic Church.
Later, when French soldiers took over Rome in 1798, Azara moved to Florence. But he continued to work for the Pope, even when the Pope was in exile and after he died in 1799.
Later Years in Paris
After his time in Italy, Azara became the Spanish ambassador in Paris, France. This was a tough time for him. His government made him negotiate a deal called the Third Treaty of San Ildefonso. This treaty meant that Spain had to follow the plans of Napoleon, who was the powerful leader of France.
Azara actually liked the idea of Spain being friends with France. However, he soon realized that his country was being used by Napoleon. Even though Napoleon liked Azara personally and found him easy to influence, Azara knew this alliance was not good for Spain.
José Nicolás de Azara died in Paris in 1804. He was very tired and likely sad because he saw the problems that the alliance with France would bring to Spain.
Family Connection
José Nicolás had a younger brother named Félix de Azara (1746–1821). Félix was a famous naturalist, someone who studies nature, especially in South America.
See also
In Spanish: José Nicolás de Azara para niños
