Abstract
The Gallas family originate from Trentino and its first possessions in Bohemia it gained in 1634, thanks to imperial general Matthias. His grandson Johann Wenzel (1671 - 1719) take over the family estate in 1697.
He became apparent as an excellent diplomat and patron of cultural events (his Prague residence was built by Johann Bernard Fischer von Erlach). Between 1705 - 1711, in the War of Spanish Succession, he represented the Emperor in London and tried to keep the English-Habsburg coalition together.
In 1713 he was sent to Rome as the envoy at the Papal Seat. He became there famous as patron of culture and organizer of spectacular celebrations.
In 1719 he was appointed as the viceroy of Naples, but he died few days after his arrival in the town. He left as memorial of him a large engraving with Naples panorama (from Paolo Petrini), whose creation he financed and which is decorated with his coat of arms.