POTTER United Families

European Supports of Louis de Potter
• Austria and Prince of Habsburg : Louis resided 10 years in
Florence with the family of a minister of Prince Leopold,
Duke of Tuscany. He then published all over Europe about
the Italian intellectual Renaissance.
• Italy and Michel-Angelo : Louis’ lover, painter Matilde
Malenchini, connected him to Buonarroti, great-grandnephew
of Michel-Angelo. He brought back home the opera
‘The Dumb of Portici’, symbol of Italian insurrection, based
on his friend Rodenbach’s unconditional support to people
who could not hear.
• France ‘s heroes : Louis lived several periods of 5-7 years in
France and became friend with David, Lafayette, Lamennais,
Sand, Stendhal, Babeuf, Robespierre, Balzac... With
Lamennais he launched L’Avenir journal in Belgium, with
Lafayette he attended the Freedom celebrations of 1830, he
helped journalist Stendhal discover Italy. One of Louis’
editors was famous journalist Babeuf, who published
Robespierre. Louis also published Balzac and intensively
exchanged with artist David and public writer Marat.
• Prussia and Metternich : Louis stayed at the castle of
Elseghem, property of Reine de Potter. Her Father-in-law
was chancellor in Ghent of the Austrian Emperor and friend
of diplomats Metternich and ambassador Rheinhold, longtime
friend or Louis.
• America and England, Napoleon, Lafayette, O’Connell:
Louis’ natural son married the daughter of general van den
Hende, member of Napoleon III ‘s staff. He introduced him
to general Lafayette who will help Louis and British
revolutionary O’Connell in their revolts.
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