Ego-Networks between Paris and Vienna
Cultural Intermediation in the 17th Century, the Case Bergeret
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25365/oezg-2012-23-1-4Keywords:
ego-networks, cultural exchange, cultural intermediation, multiplexity, clustering coefficientAbstract
The socio-centric approach of social network analysis has become an important analytical paradigm in sociology as well as in historiography whereas ego-centric approaches were either used descriptively or simply ignored. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the value of private correspondence from the 17th century for an ego-centric network analysis. The study will focus on the cultural transmission of the French baroque style mediated by Alexandre Bergeret, valet of the French Dauphine, from Paris to Vienna between 1669 and 1703. The interpretation of Bergerets network rests upon three computed measures. The nodal degree shows Bergeret’s social capital. The operating mode and the geographical scope of his network is scrutinized through Bergeret’s multiplicity and the clustering coefficient illustrates Bergeret’s leadership within his network.
