Vilém z Rožmberka jako mecenáš věd a novodobý Šalamoun – reflexe raně novověké magie v korespondenci Ondřeje Višaty
Wilhelm von Rosenberg, as a Patron of the Sciences and a New Age Solomon – a Reflection of Early Modern Magic in the Correspondence of Ondřej Višata

Summary/Abstract: The main topic of this study is the science cultivated at the court of Wilhelm von Rosenberg (1535–1592), especially alchemy and its closely related magic. In the early modern period, we encounter an effort to improve human knowledge (in the spirit of the ideas of the philosopher Francis bacon), in order to reach the perfect wisdom, which Adam possessed in Paradise or the wise King Solomon. Alchemy and magic, supported by Wilhem, were seen as possible ways to achieve this knowledge. This study examines the reasons, which led Wilhelm von Rosenberg to support science, and focuses primarily on the personality of Ondřej Višata, who had the task of informing Wilhelm about the attractions and innovations in the field of magic and alchemy. In the text, the little-known letters of Ondřej Višata, addressed to Wilhem, are reflected upon, which are currently stored in the State Regional Archives, in Třeboň.The main topic of this paper is the emerging science in the court of Wilhelm von Rosenberg (1535–1592). Attention is paid especially to alchemy and the magic associated with it. In the introduction, the early modern effort to better understand nature through science, and thus gain the ability to control nature, is briefly reflected upon. A major promoter of this idea was the philosopher, Francis Bacon (1561–1626), who also claimed that a thorough and systematic study of nature could bring oneself the perfect knowledge, which Adam possessed in Paradise. Modern sovereigns, supporting the development of various sciences, were often equated with the wise King Solomon.This part is followed by a chapter devoted to Wilhelm von Rosenberg, as a major patron of Sciences. This chapter analyses the reasons, which led Wilhelm von Rosenberg to support the alchemists. besides the economic reasons, and the needs of representation, they were mainly due to health problems. Although Wilhelm was married four times, he did not have any offspring and, therefore, any heir. He hoped that the alchemical preparations could improve his health and thus his ability to reproduce. The strategies used by alchemists to obtain the emperor's support are also briefly presented.The main part of the study is focused on the personality of Ondřej Višata, who had the task of informing Wilhelm about the new practices in the field of alchemy and magic, recommending suitable candidates into Wilhelm's services and searching for the various alchemical medicinal drugs, magic items and books for him. This part is based mainly on the not yet reflected upon letters by Ondřej Višata, intended for Wilhelm, which are now kept at the State Regional Archives, in Trebon. Letters that contain information about various magical practices or objects are analysed using appropriate secondary literature. We compare the practices mentioned by Vyšata with the procedures described in the works of important contemporary authors in this field, such as, for example: Paracelsus (1493–1541) or H. C. Agrippa (1486–1535).Wilhelm's support of alchemy, magic and science was in line with the contemporary efforts to understand nature, to broaden their knowledge about it and thus to get the original perfect knowledge, possessed by the first man in Paradise, or to approach the wisdom of King Solomon.

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