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Yuriy VielgorskiyPolish and later Russian statesman
Country:
 Poland |
Content:
- Józef Wielhorski: Polish and Russian Statesman, Patron of the Arts
- Involvement in the Targowica Confederation
- Conflict and Exile
- Russian Service and Patronage of the Arts
- Literary Pursuits
- Family and Legacy
Józef Wielhorski: Polish and Russian Statesman, Patron of the Arts
Early Life and Political CareerJózef Wielhorski was born into a noble Polish family and held several high-ranking positions in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. He served as Field Writer of Lithuania and Consul of the Targowica Confederation, a pro-Russian faction that opposed the Polish Constitution of 1791.
Involvement in the Targowica Confederation
After the adoption of the Polish Constitution, Wielhorski played a prominent role in the Targowica Confederation. He was appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Russia and actively supported the Russian intervention in Poland.
Conflict and Exile
During the Kościuszko Uprising, Wielhorski was sentenced to death in absentia along with other pro-Russian figures. He fled to Russia and went into exile.
Russian Service and Patronage of the Arts
After the Third Partition of Poland, Wielhorski entered Russian service. He held positions as Chamberlain, Hofmarschal, and, from 1800, Senator. Known for his love of arts, he helped establish the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Society and wrote several plays.
Literary Pursuits
Wielhorski also worked on a treatise on the education of Russian noble youth, but it remained unfinished at the time of his death. His literary legacy includes a successful play titled "Olympie."
Family and Legacy
Wielhorski's musical talents were inherited by his sons, Matvey and Mikhail. He had eight children from his marriage to the daughter of Count Dmitry Matyushkin. One of his granddaughters was married to Count Sollogub, while another became the object of Nikolai Gogol's unsuccessful courtship.
