Introduction
Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo’s departure from Tuscany in March 1790 to assume the Austrian imperial crown marked a pivotal moment in history. Had he remained in Florence, Tuscany might have experienced a golden era under his progressive governance. This article delves into his visionary leadership, the humorous tale of royal marriages, and the impact of his departure on Tuscany’s fate.
1. Pietro Leopoldo’s Vision for Tuscany
Pietro Leopoldo, who never expected to succeed his brother Emperor Joseph II, devoted his attention and ambitions to Tuscany, a region he deeply loved as his homeland. His dream was to transform Tuscany into the freest and most progressive state in Italy, inspired by English constitutional governance.
However, his ascent to the Austrian throne dashed these aspirations, leaving liberals and reformists disheartened. His departure coincided with the burgeoning effects of the French Revolution, a movement Pietro Leopoldo hoped to guide with wisdom and resolve, extracting its benefits while mitigating its excesses.
2. A Royal Transition: The Throne of Tuscany
Before leaving for Vienna, Pietro Leopoldo entrusted the Tuscan throne to his second son, Ferdinand III, while reserving the imperial crown for his eldest son, Francis. Ferdinand’s marriage was arranged with Maria Teresa, the eldest daughter of Ferdinand IV, King of the Two Sicilies.
In a parallel development, Francis faced heartbreak after losing his wife, Princess Elizabeth of Württemberg, during childbirth. Seeking to console his son, Pietro Leopoldo orchestrated another royal match, this time involving the second daughter of the Neapolitan royal family, Luisa Amalia.
3. The Great Marital Mix-Up
The story took an amusing turn when Queen Maria Carolina of Naples, an astute and resourceful mother, switched the portraits of her daughters sent to Vienna. Maria Teresa, destined for Ferdinand, was mistakenly betrothed to Francis, while the “less favored” Luisa Amalia was paired with Ferdinand. The imperial court remained unaware of the switch, and the marriages proceeded without any objections.
The weddings were celebrated on November 18, 1790, in Vienna. Five months later, Pietro Leopoldo returned to Florence with Ferdinand and his bride, making a triumphant entry into the city on April 8, 1791.
4. Ferdinand III’s Ascension and Legacy
Ferdinand III officially assumed the Grand Duchy of Tuscany on June 24, 1791, during a grand ceremony at the Loggia dell’Orcagna. Although the event was met with public acclaim, the liberal hopes sparked by Pietro Leopoldo’s earlier governance were ultimately unfulfilled. Ferdinand’s reign leaned toward traditional, absolutist policies, failing to achieve the constitutional progress his father envisioned.
Conclusion
Pietro Leopoldo’s departure from Tuscany and the subsequent royal transitions remain a fascinating chapter in European history. His unfulfilled vision for a progressive and free Tuscany continues to captivate historians, offering a glimpse of what could have been. Meanwhile, the comical tale of the swapped brides adds a human touch to an era often defined by political upheaval and grand ambitions.
