The informal diplomacy of Grand Duke Ferdinando I in the papal nuncios' correspondence. Persons and strategies

The contribution analyses some passages and figures of Ferdinand's informal diplomacy, following the point of view expressed by the papal nuncios resident in Florence in the correspondence exchanged with the Secretariat of State. Through the important observatory constituted by the papal envoys, the essay examines the men and strategies of the Grand Duke's dynamic unofficial diplomacy. On the one hand, Ferdinand loosened his relationship with Spain in favour of a marked pro-French policy. On the other, he balanced the pro-French orientation of his actions with a pro-imperial policy of support for Rudolf II. At the same time, the Grand Duke devoted resources and energy to a no less significant anti-Ottoman policy, which culminated in the ill-fated attack to Famagosta in 1607.