Claude de Seyssel
Claude de Seyssel (* 1450 in Aix -les- Bains, Savoie, † May 30, 1520 in Turin, Italy) was a French humanist, jurist, scholar, editor of ancient works, author of historical and political works, bishop and theologian on many areas of learning versed; in a time when there were no foreign minister, he was a diplomat and politician of the first rank, who knew how to combine comprehensive knowledge with linguistic proficiency and political skill.
Life
Seyssel was an illegitimate son of the Marshal of Savoy. He studied law and theology in Chambery, Turin and Pavia. 1485 he received his PhD and got a chair at the University of Turin. In 1499 he became minister of the French King Louis XII. , Chancellor of France and Ambassador to Italy and England. Seyssel praised the king in his "Histoire de Louis XII Singulière. " ( 1508) and " Les Louanges de Louis XII. " ( 1509 ). In addition to his work as a translator Seyssel was still active as a diplomat and politician; he fell into the quarrels between Louis XII. and the Pope Julius II, withdrew for a short time in politics, but was in 1513 welcomed in Rome by the new Pope Leo X. This was the highlight of his diplomatic career. After the death of Louis XII. 1515 Seyssel withdrew from active politics. In the same year he received episcopal dignity of Marseille. His most famous book, which he wrote at the request of Louis 's successor Francis I during retirement, was " Le grant monarchy de France " ( 1518). It is considered one of the best examples of French political thought in the early 16th century. Seyssel had a very favorable opinion of the French monarchy and the state constitution. He saw the French state-building control and balance, claiming the power of the king was limited by religion, existing laws and customs. His ideas have had great influence in the 16th century. Later, French political thinker took this position and extended it.
Works (selection)
- Translation and publication of ancient authors ( Xenophon, Diodorus, Plutarch, Justin, Eusebius, Appian and others)
- Histoire de Louis XII Singulière. ( 1508)
- Les Louanges de Louis XII. ( 1509 )
- Victoire du Roi contre les Veneto (1510 )
- Monarchy de France ( 1515)
- De Divina Providentia (1520 )