Johann Christoph von Bartenstein

Johann Christoph Bartenstein (Strasbourg, 23 October 1689 – Vienna, 5 August 1767) was an Austrian statesman, who dominated the foreign policy of the Habsburg monarchy from the early 1730s until 1753.

After working for the Benedictines of Saint-Maur in Paris, he went to Vienna in 1714, where he met Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, who encouraged him to pursue a career in the state administration.

This made him the closest confidant and adviser to Emperor Charles VI, who gradually allowed himself to be completely guided in foreign affairs by Bartenstein.

The rapid rise of Bartenstein also led to a reduction in influence in the last years of Prince Eugene's life, who had dominated the imperial foreign policy for decades.

After Karl's death in 1740, he remained close to his unexperienced daughter and successor, Maria Theresia, and shaped Habsburg domestic and foreign policy for years.