Hermann Jakob Czernin von Chudenitz’ Diplomatic Mission in Warsaw in 1695. A contribution towards the travel arrangements of Imperial diplomats

Abstract

This paper examines the unknown diplomatic mission of Hermann Jakob Czernin von Chudenitz in Warsaw in 1695 and shows how tense the relations between Emperor Leopold I and the Polish King John III Sobieski, who, at the end of their lives, were officially allies in the Holy League. The author first introduces this mission and then attempts to show how the travels of the imperial ambassadors were organised and also unveils other additional aspects of the diplomatic service. Above all he reconstructed the court of Count Czernin, who was surrounded by over 80 people, and also located the place of his accommodation in Warsaw and showed which apartment the Count possessed as an ambassador. Finally, he examined the question of the financial costs of this stay, and documented the fact that the ambassador had to pay many expenses from his own pocket, and that this mission had cost him cca. 50,000 guldens.