The Riddell Collection of Wax Seals:
Seal Life Stories: the remarkable careers of 23 individuals from the Riddell Collection of Wax Seals
10: Nikolaus I, Prince Esterházy (1714-1790)
Nikolaus I, Prince Esterhazy by Martin Knoller
Nikolaus was born in 1714 to József Simon Antal and Mária Józsefa Eleonora Esterházy de Galántha, Hungarian nobility, the most prominent landowners of the time and historically loyal to the Habsburg rulers.
He succeeded to the title of Prince in 1762 on the death of his brother Prince Paul Anton.
He enjoyed a distinguished military career in which he served the Austrian Empire, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Field-Marshal, he went on to join Maria Theresa’s bodyguard as Captain before being appointed Field Marshal in 1768.
After succeeding to the title of Prince, Nikolaus built a magnificent palace, Eszterháza at Fertőd in the Baroque style, which is referred to as the ‘Hungarian Versailles’. The household was ran with military efficiency , although the Prince had extravagant tastes – he was famed for owning a diamond studded jacket.
His greatest passion was music, and took his role as Joseph Haydn’s patron very seriously. He also played various instruments, including the baryton, and was particularly fond of opera.
Nikolaus married Freiin Marie Elisabeth in 1737, who gave birth to their son, Anton I, Prince Esterházy in 1738.