TWARDA WALUTA, DELIKATNE WIĘZI. BIAŁE ZŁOTO Z MIŚNI W KONTEKŚCIE POLSKO-SASKIEJ UNII PERSONALNEJ
HARD CURRENCY, DELICATE TIES. “WHITE GOLD” FROM MEISSEN IN THE CONTEXT OF THE POLISH-SAXON PERSONAL UNION

Summary/Abstract: The monopoly of the Meissen porcelain manufactory and its exclusive nature was an asset forthe Saxon electors in the competition of the European courts for representative splendour. Theyused the coveted and envied ‘white gold’ of Saxony to push their political ambitions. The exampleof the Polish-Saxon personal union, crucial to both Augustus the Strong and Augustus III,shows the whole range of possibilities for using this ‘hard’ currency to establish or strengthen‘soft’ ties between Saxony and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The recipients of theroyal gifts of Meissen porcelain were, above all, Polish and Lithuanian magnates whose votesthey wanted to win. However, of even greater importance was the alliance with Russia, whichultimately demanded the election of the Saxon elector by military force, so the gifts sent toSt Petersburg must also be viewed through the prism of the Polish-Saxon personal union. Evenif these compliments from Augustus the Strong and Augustus III were a vital element of Saxondiplomacy and helped in specific political negotiations, the more lasting effect of these actionsshould be seen in the fame of the Meissen porcelain manufactory and the growing demand forits unique wares, which quickly became fashionable throughout the whole Europe.

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