April 1st, 1594, saw the birth of Tomasz Zamoyski, the long-awaited heir to the name and fortune of the chancellor and Grand Hetman of the Crown Jan Zamoyski, born of his fourth wife, Barbara née Tarnowska. In view of the fact that Jan Zamoyski’s numerous offspring born from previous marriages died early in his life, he had undoubtedly lost faith in ever being able to sire a healthy male child. The birth of Tomasz undoubtedly filled the chancellor with joy and hope, but fatherhood itself, especially at such a late age (he was 52 when Tomasz was born), was probably not something he intended to devote himself unreservedly, especially since at that time he was actively involved in the political life of the country. These circumstances were not conducive to building a close relationship between father and son. Jan Zamoyski took care of the proper education of Tomasz, provided him with connections at the royal court, and finally left him a huge fortune. Yet in all these actions it is difficult to detect feelings that should unite parent and child. Zamoyski’s relationship with his son resembled that of a demanding preceptor with a diligent student, the latter throughout his life trying to live up to an unattainable model.
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Vol. 18 No. 23 (2023)
Published: 2024-02-09