Olbracht Łaski

{{Short description|Polish nobleman, alchemist and courtier}}

File:Olbracht Łaski Andriolli.jpg

Olbracht Łaski (died 23 November 1604{{cite book |last=Kurtyka| first=Janusz|authorlink=Janusz Kurtyka|title=Terra Scepusiensis |year=2003 |location=Levoca - Wrocław|chapter= Starostwo spiskie (1412-1769/70)|page=529}}) was a Polish nobleman, an alchemist and courtier during the reign of Stephen Batory.

Łaski was suspected of plotting to seize the Polish throne in 1575, following the brief reign of Henry Valois.{{cite book|last=Woolley|first=Benjamin|title=The Queen's Conjuror|year=2001|publisher=Henry Holt|location=New York|isbn=9780805065091|page=[https://archive.org/details/queensconjurersc00wool_0/page/185 185]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/queensconjurersc00wool_0/page/185}} This episode is featured in the opéra-comique Le roi malgré lui by Emmanuel Chabrier (first performed on 18 May 1887).[http://www.opera-comique.com/spectacle/le-roi-malgre-lui-2/ Argument], L’Opéra ComiqueFile:Olbracht Łaski.JPG

Łaski was particularly notable for his fine beard, which Holinshed noted was of "such length and breadth, as that lying in his bed, and parting it with his hands, the same overspread his breasts and shoulders, himself greatly delighting therein, and reputing it an ornament."

Łaski arrived in England in April 1583. The French ambassador, Michel de Castelnau suggested that his visit was prompted by a desire to persuade the Muscovy Company to refrain from selling arms to Ivan the Terrible. He was provided with lodgings at Winchester House, Southwark. Łaski convinced John Dee to visit Poland.{{cite web|url=http://www.redicecreations.com/specialreports/2005/09sep/johndee.html|title=John Dee - Scientist, Magician and Alchemist|date=7 September 2005|author=I. Topham|publisher=Red Ice Creations}}