A Complex Diplomatic Mission. Leonardo Donà at the Spanish Court of Philip II (1570-1573)

Abstract

This research article studies through a qualitative methodology perspective the period between 1570 and 1573, when Leonardo Donà was ambassador of the Serenissima to the court of Philip II. In Madrid, the future Doge carried out a delicate and complex diplomatic assignment. The duration of his ambassadorship coincided exactly with the years of the Cyprus War and the circumstances of his mission all gravitated into the orbit of those events. In the three years he spent at the court he maintained constant relations with the sovereign and his entourage. Between the formation of the Holy League, the battle of Lepanto and the peace stipulated by Venice with the Ottoman Empire, without the knowledge of the “Confederates” Leonardo Donà exercised his diplomatic mission in an exemplary manner: he put the interests of the Serenissima before any personal considerations and, with prudence and shrewdness, he was able to face the difficult mission of justifying to Philip II the peace reached between Venice and the Sublime Porte. The correspondence of the Venetian ambassador from Madrid addressed to the Venetian Senate is full of political considerations of high moral value, inspired by a high sense of duty towards the Signoria and, above all, guided by a refined knowledge of the art of diplomacy. Donà remained in Madrid until September 17th 1573.