Supra-institutional education of noblewomen in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 18th century

The problem of the education of noblewomen in the 18th century still requires more thorough research. The education of magnates’ and noblemen’s sons was very accurate so as to make it useful for them in the future. Daughters, prepared mainly for marriage or monkhood, not always had the opportunity to receive a thorough education. The supra-institutional form of teaching was education at home. Its level depended largely on the aspirations and visions of the parents, mainly the mother. What was also signifi - cant was the choice of a wet nurse, nursemaid, teachers and females tutors. Visiting the mansions of affl uent relatives and patrons made it possible for young noblemen to extend their elementary education. Social meetings, following the French model of the 18th century, started to be the opportunity to complement the knowledge and skills. Th is supra-institutional form of education allowed female magnates and noblewomen to get acquainted with literature and science, the practice of foreign languages and the development of the skill of conversation