Portrait of general’s wife Marianna Skórzewska, née Ciecierska

Marianna nee Ciecierska (1741-1773) came from a wealthy family without a high social standing. Charming and graceful, she also possessed other virtues – intelligence, literary and scientific skills, and a well-developed practical sense. After a short study period at a convent school for girls, she was married to Franciszek Drogosław Skórzewski, who was twenty years older than her. She brought a substantial dowry into the marriage, but in the prenuptial agreement she reserved a share in the management of the estate. Aware of the shortcomings of her education, after giving birth to two daughters she took up further studies, hiring the best tutors, though not cheaply.

The next step was a trip to Berlin, regarded as the European centre of science and culture. When she arrived at the court, even King Frederick II of Prussia noticed the intellect and strength of character of the beautiful and wealthy lady Skórzewska. She led a lavish life there. Her residence, decorated with splendour and filled with servants in livery, was frequented by courtiers and wealthy people arriving from the Commonwealth. It was also there that the Skórzewski family's only son was born in 1768. The christening took place with great pomp, the King became godfather, and the child was given the name Fryderyk Wilhelm, which was the cause of much speculation and gossip. Marianna was a socialite and successfully controlled her husband's activities and looked after the family assets. To defend her interests, she was even ready to enter the arena of grand politics, showing bravery to the point of bravado. Apparently, in disguise, on a peasant cart, she arrived near Szamocin, where a secret advisor was supervising the demarcation of the border of the first partition of Poland. Terrified by the development of the situation in the country, she allegedly begged him to incorporate her estates into Prussia, contrary to the treaty.

Marianna Skórzewska lived a short but very intense life. She died in Berlin and was buried there in the crypt of the church of St Jadwiga.

Barbara Czajkowska