Thomas Maria Baron de Bassus | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 October 1742 |
| Died | 15 October 1815 (aged 73) |
| Occupation(s) | Nobleman, politician, patron of the arts |
| Known for | Involvement with the Bavarian Illuminati |
| Spouse | Cecilia Domenica Massella |
Thomas Maria Baron de Bassus (10 October 1742 – 15 October 1815) was a Swiss-Italian nobleman, politician, and patron of the arts, best known for his association with the Bavarian Illuminati, a secret society promoting Enlightenment ideals. He served as Lord Mayor of Poschiavo, supported cultural figures like Johann Simon Mayr, and played a significant role in spreading Illuminati ideas in Italy, which led to controversy and scrutiny.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Maria Baron de Bassus was born on 10 October 1742 in Poschiavo, a town in the Graubünden canton of Switzerland. Hailing from a noble family with ties to Bavaria, he enjoyed a privileged upbringing. He pursued his education in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, studying law and philosophy. During this time, he formed key friendships with Johann Simon Mayr, a composer, and Adam Weishaupt, the founder of the Bavarian Illuminati.
Political Career and Inheritance
In 1767, at the age of 25, de Bassus was elected Lord Mayor (Podestà) of Poschiavo, a position he held for five years. In 1766, he married Cecilia Domenica Massella, whose family's wealth significantly expanded his influence. Following the early death of his wife's parents, de Bassus inherited substantial properties in the Valtellina and Poschiavo valleys, including the Palazzo Massella, now known as Hotel Albrici.
Cultural Patronage
A dedicated patron of the arts, de Bassus organized cultural events at his palace and summer residences in Cantone and Tirano, fostering discussions on literature, sciences, politics, and law. He supported Johann Simon Mayr, who composed over 70 operas and taught Gaetano Donizetti, hosting him between 1787 and 1788. De Bassus also purchased a printing press, transported from Bavaria to Poschiavo, and opened a bookshop with Giuseppe Ambrosini, an Illuminati member. The press published works critical of the Catholic Church and the first Italian edition of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther.
Involvement with the Bavarian Illuminati
De Bassus joined the Bavarian Illuminati, founded by Adam Weishaupt, and by the late 1780s, was tasked with spreading its Enlightenment ideas in Italy. By 1787, he was recognized as a superior of the Illuminati in Italy. His activities drew attention, leading to a 1787 raid by Bavarian police on his Sandersdorf Castle, where documents exposing his Illuminati involvement were confiscated. Facing scrutiny, de Bassus relocated to Bavaria for safety.
Later Life
After his wife's death in 1794, de Bassus lived a quieter life in Bavaria, facing hostility in Poschiavo due to his Enlightenment affiliations. He remained in Sandersdorf, where he died on 15 October 1815.
Legacy
Despite his contributions to politics, culture, and the Bavarian Illuminati, de Bassus was largely forgotten after his death. His family lost ties with Poschiavo, and financial difficulties led to the sale of his palace in 1828 to Mayor Pietro Albrici, which became Hotel Albrici. His life reflects the complexities of Enlightenment ideals in a conservative era, with his Illuminati involvement casting a controversial shadow over his legacy.