THE TRANSMISSION OF MODEL BEHAVIOURS IN THE CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE MARCHIONESS OF NISA AND HER DAUGHTER, THE COUNTESS OF PALMELA, AMBASSADRESS TO LONDON (1817-1819)

Abstract

Between 1817 and 1819, the Countess of Palmela accompanied her husband to the British court, as representatives of the Portuguese crown to that kingdom. During this period, her mother, the Marchioness of Nisa, wrote to her regularly. Besides the usual themes of family correspondence, the Marchioness transmitted a set of advice and warnings that would enable her daughter to better perform her position. This article, following study of this hitherto unpublished documentation, analyses the advice given by this mother to her daughter, thereby characterizing model behaviours and their motivations.