Colbert and the Nièvre – Act 1 Acquisition of the Duchy of Nevers by Cardinal Mazarin

There are many commemorations in 2019 in honour of Jean-Baptiste Colbert: 400^th anniversary of his birth, 360^th anniversary of the acquisition of the Duchy of Nevers by Cardinal Mazarin and the 350^th anniversary of the Water and Forest decree. 360 years ago, Jean-Baptiste Colbert opened negotiations, acting on behalf of Cardinal Mazarin, for the acquisition of the Duchy of Nevers. Duke of Mantoue, with massive debt, was forced to sell his Duchy of Nevers to Mazarin for 1.800.000 livres. The sales contract between Cardinal Mazarin and Duke of Mantoue was signed on 11^th July 1659. Colbert officially took possession of the Ducky of Nevers, on behalf of Mazarin, the 19^th October 1659 during a ceremony in wich the first alderman of Nevers turned the keys of the city to him.   Portrait of Jean-Baptiste Colbert by Philippe de Champaigne