Franz Josef I, Prince of Liechtenstein

Franz Josef I, Prince of Liechtenstein (1726-1781) was a prince of Liechtenstein from 1772 until his death. He was a nephew of Josef Wenzel. Franz Josef had been recognised heir to Liechtenstein since Wenzel's only son had died in 1723 and Wenzel took Franz Josef under his wing and Franz Josef accompanied him in a campaign in Northern Italy and fought with Wenzel at the Battle of Piacenza, a victory for the Holy Roman Empire of which Liechtenstein was a part. In 1763, Franz Josef traveled on behalf of the Emperor to Spain, in order to bring the bride of Archduke Leopold a picture of Archduke. In 1767, he became Privy Councillor, and in 1771, he received the Order of the Golden Fleece. Once Franz Josef became Prince of Liechtenstein, he showed great interest in its economic problems and the ever increasing Liechtenstein art collection.