The Principality turns another page in its long and colourful story with the release of the 49th issue of the Annales Monégasques, the official historical review published by the Archives of the Prince’s Palace…
This latest edition once again showcases the extraordinary depth of Monaco’s past, bringing together historians, archivists and specialists whose work illuminates forgotten episodes, hidden figures and the evolution of the Grimaldi dynasty through the centuries.
At the heart of this year’s issue is a sweeping portrait of Rainier I, presented by Yves Giraudon, tracing his rise “from pirate to Admiral of France” at the turn of the 14th century. Intrigue continues into the 15th century as Inès Igier-Passet examines the dramatic conspiracies surrounding Pomelline and Lambert Grimaldi. Art history enthusiasts will be drawn to Ocean Acquier-Sicart’s piece disentangling the myths around Polidoro da Caravaggio’s presence at the Prince’s Palace.
Later centuries are explored through the painted décor of the Hercules Gallery and York Room, analysed by Sophie Kovalevsky, while Charles Contejean’s 1861 naturalist expedition unfolds in vivid detail through research by Noëlle Avelange, Thierry Malvesy and Françoise Valencia.
Political historians will find equal richness, from the Rabagas affair of 1872 to new studies on Prince Albert I’s scientific legacy and his early support for a federated Europe. The issue concludes with a compelling archival reconstruction of Monaco’s liberation in 1944.
Beautifully curated and meticulously researched, the Annales Monégasques remains an essential reference for anyone passionate about the Principality’s heritage.
The 49th edition is now available in Monaco’s bookstores, at local newsstands, and online at www.annales-monegasques.mc.
Image: Prince’s Palace IG
