Image of the Occupation of Prague by the French, Bavarians and Saxons (1741–1742) in Sources of Capuchin Provenance
Abstract
Based on previously unused sources of Capuchin provenance from the Capuchin Provincial Library in Prague and the National Archives in Prague, the article examines selected details of the French-Bavarian-Saxon occupation of Prague in 1741-1742. The information from these sources relates to the daily life of both the Capuchin monks working at the convents in Hradčany and New Town, as well as other residents of Prague.
The sources first detail the preparations for the actual siege of the city, for example, the Capuchins addressed the issue of where to hide the Loreto treasure and the statue of the Virgin Mary of Rottenburg from the approaching enemies. Attention is also paid to the role of the Capuchins as military chaplains in defensive battles, their subsequent work among the wounded French soldiers, but also to the funerals of the fallen French officers, who were previously quartered in the monastery hospital, in the garden, and in the convent church.
However, the Capuchin sources also speak of crime during the occupation and punishment by the French military administration.