Correspondence is an important source for art-historical research, as it provides insight into the production, reception, and social context of art. Despite its research potential, it remains insufficiently and systematically addressed in the former Duchy of Styria, particularly in relation to Baroque art. This master’s thesis first provides an overview of preserved correspondence relevant to the study of Baroque art in Styria. It then focuses on letters from noblemen’s Grand Tours as a specific source still relatively underused in Slovenian art-historical scholarship. At the centre is the correspondence of Ignaz Maria II, Count of Attems, produced during his Grand Tour across Europe between 1734 and 1738. The aim of the analysis is to examine his attitude towards art and possible influences of his travels on his later patronage and collecting activities. The thesis also highlights the broader significance of noble travel correspondence as a relevant source for art-historical research.
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