The essay examines the complex diplomatic crisis between Naples and Madrid on the eve of the French Revolution, through the diplomatic correspondence of the imperial ambassador Charles de Richecourt (1784-1787). Through archival research and unpublished documents, the essay reconstructs the intricate network of agents and tensions between the Bourbon court of Naples and that of Spain, exacerbated by Austria’s growing influence and by the actions of Queen Maria Carolina and King Ferdinando IV, who were determined to free the Kingdom of Naples from paternal oversight and Spanish political control. The essay explores this multidimensional crisis – both diplomatic and familial – with particular attention to the political use of emotions.
Alla vigilia della Rivoluzione. Le Corti di Napoli e Vienna nella corrispondenza del Conte Carlo de Richecourt e Ray, ministro plenipotenziario imperiale a Napoli (1784-1787)
Vincenzo Barra
2026
Abstract
The essay examines the complex diplomatic crisis between Naples and Madrid on the eve of the French Revolution, through the diplomatic correspondence of the imperial ambassador Charles de Richecourt (1784-1787). Through archival research and unpublished documents, the essay reconstructs the intricate network of agents and tensions between the Bourbon court of Naples and that of Spain, exacerbated by Austria’s growing influence and by the actions of Queen Maria Carolina and King Ferdinando IV, who were determined to free the Kingdom of Naples from paternal oversight and Spanish political control. The essay explores this multidimensional crisis – both diplomatic and familial – with particular attention to the political use of emotions.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
