George Rudolf of Legnica: Difference between revisions
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George Rudolf of Legnica (Polish: Jerzy Rudolf Legnicki; b. Oława, 12 January 1595 - d. Wroclaw, 14 January 1653), was a Duke of Legnica-Wołów since 1602 (until 1612 as co-ruler of his brother, then alone) and Brzeg (during 1602-1612 with his brother as a cor-ruler). An humanist, patron of arts, composer and poet, he was also Upper Governor ((Polish: Starosta generalny) of Silesia during 1621-1628 and from 1641 onwards.
He was the third but second surviving son of Joachim Frederick, Duke of Brzeg-Oława-Legnica-Wołów, by his wife Anna Maria, daughter of Joachim Ernest, Prince of Anhalt.
Life
After the death of his father in 1602, George Rudolf, together with his older brother John Christian, were his successors in his Duchies, but because they are minors, the regency was taken by their mother, the Dowager Duchess Anna Maria (who was the reign Duchess of Oława as her Oprawa wdowia). After Anna Maria's death in 1605, the regency was taken by the paternal aunt of the young Dukes (andonly surviving sibling of the late Joachim Frederick), Elisabeth Magdalena of Brieg and her husband, Karl II of Poděbrady, Duke of Ziębice-Oleśnica.
In 1612 George Rudolf attained his majority and then both brothers decided to divided their domains: George Rudolf came into possession of Legnica, Wołów, Złotoryja, Grodźca, Lubin, Prochowice, Wińsko, Wąsosz, Ryczeń and Rudna, and John Christian retained Brzeg, Oława, Strzelin, Niemcza, Kluczbork and Byczyna. In 1616 George Rudolf also took control over Chojnów. In 1614 George Rudolf -followed the example of his brother John Christian- converted to Calvinism .
During the Thirty Years' War, George Rduolf was exiled during fifteen years (1633-1648) as a result of the occupation of their land by the Imperial army of the Habsburgs; however, he retain nominally the government.
George Rudolf, as a ruler, was thoroughly educated and support the development of culture and science. In particular, is known as the creator of the famous Biblioteca Rudolphina. In his court were reunited prominent scholars, poets and composers such as Martin Opitz and Friedrich von Logau, who are often found in Legnica asylum and protection. He also promoted the musical education; the Duke trained in composing competitions during a stay in Frankfurt, kolekcjonował prints and manuscripts of works of music, consorted with known composers of his era. Heinrich Schütz, which is regarded as the greatest German composer John Sebastian Bach, Jerzy Rudolf dedicated his collection of religious songs Cantiones sacrae.
On the composition of George Rudolph survived interesting songs, some of which were recorded on a CD "Rudolphina - Legnica Treasures" by a team of Ars Nova, directed by Jacek Urbaniak.