Hungarian Studies
Volume/Issue:
Accepted Manuscript / Online First
The symbolic language of a diplomatic scandal: Count Nikolaus Esterházy in Dresden in 1747
Author:
Olga Khavanova National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7694-5292
Online Publication Date:
18 Mar 2025
Publication Date:
18 Mar 2025
Article Category:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1556/044.2024.00273
Keywords:
War of Austrian Succession; diplomacy; language of diplomatic communication; ceremonial
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Abstract

This article examines an episode in Austrian-Saxon relations and the diplomatic career of Count Nikolaus Esterházy that resulted in a brief disruption to bilateral relations in 1747. The Dresden court, which was regarded as a potentially advantageous ally for the belligerent powers of Austria and France, was compelled to take sides in the ceremonial conflict that had arisen on the eve of the dynastic wedding of Elector Frederick August II's daughter and Bavarian Elector Maximilian III. As an expression of exceptional benevolence, the recently elected Emperor Francis, who was not yet officially recognized by France, elevated the status of his minister to that of ambassador for the duration of the festivities. This symbolic gesture served to dismantle the diplomatic hierarchy, humiliate the French ambassador, and exacerbate the already strained relations between Saxony and France, which had been meticulously cultivated in the preceding months. One of the instruments utilized in this conflictual dynamic was the language of correspondence, which was initially employed to convey respect but ultimately transformed into a means of asserting power, disciplining, and exerting control. Nikolaus Esterházy was confronted with a dilemma: he could either obey the imperial rescript and ostentatiously withdraw from the Dresden court, or avoid confrontation by declining to participate in the festivities. He ultimately opted for the former, a decision that would lead to his reputation as a selfish and inflexible diplomat.

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Cover Hungarian Studies
Hungarian Studies A Journal of the International Association for Hungarian Studies and Balassi Institute
Print ISSN:
0236-6568
Online ISSN:
1588-2772

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Editor-in-Chief: Andrea Seidler

Editorial Board

  • Bíró, Annamária
  • Khavanova, Olga
  • de Montety, Henri
  • Áron Orbán

Nemzetközi Magyarságtudományi Társaság
Address: H-1097 Budapest, Tóth Kálmán u. 4. B.8.41.
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Hungarian Studies
Language English
French
German
Size B5
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Foundation		 1985
Volumes
per Year		 1
Issues
per Year		 2
Founder Nemzetközi Magyarságtudományi Társaság -- International Association for Hungarian Studies
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Address		 H-1097 Budapest, Tóth Kálmán u. 4. B.8.41.
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ISSN 0236-6568 (Print)
ISSN 1588-2772 (Online)

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