Massimo Taparelli d'Azeglio

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massimo_d%27Azeglio

Massimo Taparelli, Marquess of Azeglio ([%CB%88massimo tapaˈrɛlli dadˈdzeʎʎo]) (24 October 1798 – 15 January 1866), commonly called Massimo d'Azeglio, was a Piedmontese-Italian statesman, novelist and painter. He was Prime Minister of Sardinia for almost three years, until his rival Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour succeeded him. D'Azeglio was not a liberal or a republican, but a paternal conservative who hoped for a federal union between Italian states.[1] As Prime Minister, he consolidated the parliamentary system, getting the young king to accept his constitutional status. Azeglio worked hard for a peace treaty with Austria, and reduction of the power of the Catholic Church in local affairs. He introduced freedom of worship, abolished Religious censorship, and took control of schools away from the Church. He was bored with government, but passionate about painting. One role he performed with great difficulty was maintaining control over a boorish king whose chief passions were hunting, philandering, and posturing as a military genius