Naslov
Origins and Reflections of the Identities of Croatian Nobility During the Eighteenth Century in the Social and Cultural Environment of Early Modern Europe

Autori
Janković, Valentina

Izvornik
Review of Croatian history (1845-4380) XIII (2017), 1; 45-78

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
social identities, cultural identities, Croatian nobility, 18th century, privileges, Early Modern Period

Sažetak
Based on the results of current historiography, primary sources and memoirs of the contemporaries, this paper deals with the topic of multiple identities of the Croatian nobility of Civil Croatia during the 18th century within the social and cultural discourse of the Early Modern European noble societies. Besides the nobility inherited from the ancestors, or ennoblement bestowed by the ruler, the author sees noble prerogatives and privileges as the foundations of formation of the noble identity. Three major aspects of these privileges – political, judicial and socio-economical – enabled the shaping of the different roles and positions in the society, which the Croatian, as well as other European nobilities, undertook, and it is on them that their roles and multiple identities relied. In the paper, the focus is on the roles of the Croatian nobility, both lesser and greater, in comparison with and within the frames of the nobilities in other European countries. Taking into consideration all the dissimilarities and varieties of the origins, prerogatives, positions and influences of the nobilities in 18th century Europe, the author, using the examples of behavior in different situations in the lives of several members of the prominent Croatian noble families in the 18th century – Krčelić, Oršić, Čikulini, Vojkffy, Sermage and Patačić – reflects about the multiple roles they took within their social discourse, and which shaped their noble identities. The roles of the nobility, based on the possibilities deriving from their privileges, constantly adapted to the contemporary environment in order for the nobility to survive and maintain their leading position in the society. The paper addresses the position of Croatian nobility in the political decision making, their functions and significance as state, court or local government and administration officials, and their role in 18th century warfare and military service. The paper also deals with the changes that affected education, as well as with the adjustments noblemen undertook while becoming educated gentlemen with opportunities for advancement within the offices, services and society. In this sense, the roles of patrons and clients in the society, intertwined with personal connections, were crucial. The affiliation to noble families and kindreds were very important parts of both individual and collective identities of noblemen and noblewomen, and for their significance in the society on much broader levels then just within their local communities. Therefore, individuals often shaped their endeavours and personal relations according to the marital strategies of their families, with the ultimate goal being the prosperity of their families. One of the most significant of the social roles every landed nobleman (and noblewoman) played, was the role of the landlord, from which, based on economical and legal prerogatives, derived the family’s wellbeing and prestige. Finally, nobility, as the leading social stratum of Early Modern Europe, was also the leading consumer of the overall cultural production, which can be discerned from their everyday lives, manners, customs, culture of living, and also from cultural sponsorship and their own artistic expressions.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Povijest

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