Johann Adolf, Prince of Schwarzenberg

A shrewd diplomat, he first served in Vienna, before entering the service of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria, then Governor General of the Spanish Netherlands, of which he became chamberlain.

Johann Adolf was a very cultured and polyglot man, familiar with classical literature and a great patron of art.

He was highly appreciated by Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria and appointed Knight of the Golden Fleece in 1650.

After the latter's death in 1662, Johann Adolf of Schwarzenberg settled permanently in Bohemia, thus acquiring the domains of Wittingau in 1660 and Frauenberg in 1661.

He contributed a lot in improving the lands he owned, by for example, introducing new crops or supporting the development of crafts.