Johann Kaspar Basselet von La Rosée, Bavarian general (d. 1795)

Johann Kaspar (or Jean-Gaspard, reflecting a period of fluid cultural and linguistic influences across Central Europe), Reichsgraf Basselet von La Rosée (April 30, 1710 – April 12, 1795), stands as a prominent figure in 18th-century Bavarian history, distinguished as a leading general and influential statesman. His life's journey, marked by military prowess, political acumen, and significant land acquisitions, cemented his family's place within the Bavarian aristocracy.

Born on April 30, 1710, in Arlon, a town then situated in the Province of Luxembourg, which was part of the Austrian Netherlands and thus within the expansive Holy Roman Empire, Basselet von La Rosée later dedicated his career to the service of the Electorate of Bavaria. This transition to a "new fatherland" highlights the dynamic political landscape of the era, where individuals often sought opportunities in various princely courts. In Bavaria, he rapidly advanced through the ranks, holding a series of increasingly important positions that underscored his capabilities as both a military leader and an administrator.

A Distinguished Career in Bavarian Service

Throughout his extensive career, Johann Kaspar Basselet von La Rosée accumulated significant power and influence within the Bavarian court. His key appointments included that of an electoral Privy Councillor, a high advisory role to the Elector of Bavaria, indicating his trusted position in political matters. Militarily, he rose to the esteemed rank of Lieutenant Field Marshal, a testament to his strategic abilities and command experience. Furthermore, his role as Director of the War Council placed him at the heart of Bavarian military planning and administration, overseeing the strategic direction and organization of the armed forces.

Accolades and Aristocratic Ascension

His contributions and standing were formally recognized beyond the battlefield and council chambers. In 1761, he was bestowed with the honor of becoming an honorary member of the prestigious Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities. This membership reflected not only his societal importance but also the Enlightenment-era emphasis on intellectual pursuit and patronage among the elite. A pinnacle of his social ascent came in 1764 when he was created an Imperial Count (Reichsgraf) by the Holy Roman Emperor, a title that conferred significant prestige and was officially recognized by the Electorate of Bavaria in 1766, solidifying his noble status within the realm.

Building a Legacy: Land and Estate Holdings

Basselet von La Rosée's success also manifested in the acquisition of substantial real estate, underscoring his wealth and influence. Around 1760, he made a particularly significant purchase that would become synonymous with his family's name: the villages of Feldafing and Possenhofen, along with the enchanting Rose Island (Roseninsel) on Lake Starnberg. This acquisition granted him ownership of the longest connected waterfront along the shores of this beautiful and strategically important Bavarian lake. Rose Island, with its future associations with Bavarian royalty, became a notable part of his estate.

These properties remained in the family for several decades. However, in 1834, his heirs decided to sell the entire expansive property. It was acquired by Duke Maximilian in Bayern, a distinguished member of the Wittelsbach dynasty (the "in Bayern" suffix denoting a specific cadet branch of the ruling house), while the picturesque Rose Island itself passed into the proprietorship of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, thus integrating these lands even more closely with the Bavarian royal patrimony. Further consolidating his landed gentry status, Count Basselet von La Rosée also purchased the estate of Mauern, located near Moosburg, in 1770.

Family, Connections, and Enduring Heritage

His personal life also reflected his strategic ascent. Johann Kaspar Basselet von La Rosée was married to a daughter of Johann Baptista Ruffini, a prominent salt trader. This marriage not only brought wealth but also forged crucial social and political connections, as his wife was also a niece of the influential Bavarian State Chancellor Franz Xaver Josef von Unertl, a key figure in Bavarian politics during the early 18th century. This network of alliances further strengthened the Basselet von La Rosée family's position.

The family's legacy continued through his son, Aloys Reichsgraf Basselet von La Rosée, who followed in his father's footsteps of distinguished service. Aloys held the significant positions of electoral Bavarian chamberlain, Privy Councillor, and notably, President of the High Court of Appellation, showcasing the family's sustained prominence in both the administration and judiciary of Bavaria.

Johann Kaspar Basselet von La Rosée passed away at the age of 84 in Munich on April 12, 1795. His final resting place is a testament to his enduring aristocratic status; his tomb can still be found within the vault chapel of the Counts La Rosée in Inkofen, a locality today forming part of Haag an der Amper, preserving the memory of this remarkable Bavarian general and nobleman for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Johann Kaspar (Jean-Gaspard) Reichsgraf Basselet von La Rosée?
He was a prominent 18th-century Bavarian general and statesman, known for his distinguished military and administrative career, as well as his significant land acquisitions and aristocratic status as an Imperial Count.
Where was he born?
Johann Kaspar Basselet von La Rosée was born in Arlon, a town in the Province of Luxembourg, which was then part of the Austrian Netherlands within the Holy Roman Empire.
What important positions did he hold in Bavaria?
He served as an electoral Privy Councillor, achieved the rank of Lieutenant Field Marshal, and was the Director of the War Council for the Electorate of Bavaria.
What notable properties did he own?
He famously purchased the villages of Feldafing and Possenhofen, along with Rose Island (Roseninsel) on Lake Starnberg, making him the owner of the longest connected waterfront there. He also acquired the estate of Mauern near Moosburg.
What was the significance of his title "Reichsgraf"?
The title "Reichsgraf" means "Imperial Count," indicating that it was bestowed directly by the Holy Roman Emperor, granting him a high level of prestige and recognized noble status throughout the Holy Roman Empire, including Bavaria.
What became of his properties on Lake Starnberg?
In 1834, his heirs sold the properties to Duke Maximilian in Bayern, with King Ludwig I of Bavaria acquiring Rose Island directly, thus integrating these significant estates into the Bavarian royal and ducal patrimony.
Who was his son and what was his career?
His son was Aloys Reichsgraf Basselet von La Rosée, who continued the family's legacy of service, holding positions such as electoral Bavarian chamberlain, Privy Councillor, and President of the High Court of Appellation.
Where is Johann Kaspar Basselet von La Rosée buried?
His tomb is located in the vault chapel of the Counts La Rosée in Inkofen, which is now part of Haag an der Amper.