Anna Wincenta Sapieha, née Fredro – a forgotten benefactress

Abstract

The problem of political, cultural and religious patronage is still almost unknown in Polish historiography. Example of Anna Wincenta Sapieha, née Fredro can be treated as substantiation that further research in that theme is still required. She did not have a strong influence on political, matrimonial, financial or even economical aspects of her family life. The most important activity for her was associated with the religious aspect – foundations, charities and donations. In her last will act we can find multiple examples of donations – for local churches, convents, faith-based fraternities and other religious orders. Preserved sources – correspondence and acts of property rights – can be treated as an important base for the research concerning women’s patronage in the 18th century.