Enea Silvio Piccolomini: l’histoire de France dans les écrits de la veille

Abstract

The following research, conducted over the course of my Erasmus semester, proposes to analyse the relationship between Enea Silvio Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, and France through his works and the imagery they evoke. The evolution of his behaviour towards the King of France is related to his personal affairs. The main period under consideration is the eve of the election to his papal seat. However, there are references in the text to the preceding period, which begins with his entrance into the court of Frederick III, and succeeding period which coincides with his election to papacy. Piccolomini uses France's distant and recent past, including both historical facts and myths, to transmit messages and offer his interpretation of the present. The religious history of France therefore takes on both political or social meaning. Every character is presented in the context of his gaze, both Piccolomini the historian and Piccolomini the protagonist of his time.