Changing tack: the versatile allegiances of Daniel Nijs. A Netherlandish merchant and information broker in early modern Venice

Abstract

This article traces the often conflicting roles and changing fortunes of Daniel Nijs (1572–1647) in order to investigate the strategies used by immigrant merchants operating in early-modern Europe. Born in Germany as the son of religious exiles from the Southern Netherlands, Nijs moved to Venice to become a trader. A renowned collector himself, he was instrumental in the sale of the Mantuan Gonzaga art-collection to Charles I. But this was only one of his many ventures: besides his activities as an international merchant, Nijs also controlled one of Venice's customhouses, acted as post-master between the Serenissima and the Dutch Republic and became consul for Sweden. In addition, he financially contributed to Venice's war efforts against the Austrian Habsburgs and opened his Venetian home to Calvinist services. He embarked on yet another course of action when he was recruited as a spy by the Spanish ambassador, preparing a conspiracy against the Venetian Republic. This entrepreneur constantly juggled different allegiances, showing a remarkable strategic adaptability in the complex arena of early-modern international trade, politics, religion and culture. His access to goods, information and artefacts made him the epitome of an intermediary. An analysis of his professional practices and ramified network of contacts will show how the early-modern immigrant merchant manoeuvred between conflicting and malleable national, cultural and religious identities.