L'idea di Europa nelle 'Vite' di Richelieu

This study explores the 'official' biographies of Richelieu published over the course of his century and is aimed at a genre of writing very rich and diverse in terms of forms, models and areas in which it can express itself. Beyond the striking differences in terms of form and substance, Richelieu’s biographies share the historical value of the French and European context, variously modulated in relation to the place and time of the composition. The texts examined, coming from England, France, Italy and Holland, trace a composite itinerary which takes into account institutional, political, ideological and propagandistic aspects. Moreover, such itinerary also contextually identifies some assumptions and different perspectives on the idea of Europe in the seventeenth century. As for the issues on Richelieu's account debated at the time, there are many affinities with the study and research topics currently analysed by modern historiography.