Polityka fundacyjna podskarbich koronnych w XVI i XVII wieku. Analiza wybranych przykładów
Fundamentals of the Crown Treasmodlnury’s foundation policy at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th century. Initial characterization attempt based on selected examples

Summary/Abstract: In the system of rule of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Crown Treasurer was one of the most important central ministerial offices. The dignitaries holding this function were in charge of the state’s incomes and expenses, reporting directly to the Seym. Undoubtedly, the achievement of such dignity was an exceptional ennoblement for representatives of individual families of old Poland. In the text analyzing selected career paths of the treasurers from the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, two questions were raised. First, whether and how the office translated into the foundation policy? The second issue concerns the specificity of the said dignity and its potential impact on the founding activities and strengthening the family. This text is an attempt to compile and compare selected figures of the Crown Treasury from the times of Sigismund III and Władysław IV. During this period, the office was held by, inter alia, representatives of the Firlej, Warszycki, Ligęz and Daniłłowicz families. The proposed method of analysis concerns two levels of activity of dignitaries. On the one hand, it focuses on their career paths, and on the other hand, it compares them with the foundation’s activities, mainly in the field of architecture. An important factor characterizing this office was the emolument of the dignitary with royal goods, which indispensably secured his financial tasks. This was the case with wealthy Jan Firlej. In other cases, the royal salary preceded promotion to office. Daniłłowicze had a unique position in this respect. The appearance of the Treasury Office in the history of the family on the one hand could be a sign of the position achieved, in other cases it only accelerated such promotion. Architectural foundations – residential or religious – were a material sign of building of one’s position. There is no doubt that each of the characters analyzed clearly activated their foundation activities during their term of office. Topographically focusing his attention on the family goods, but also trying to maintain a connection with the court and the administered royal lands. Another, interesting supplement to the possibilities offered by the office of treasurer was the right to place the family coat of arms on coins.

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