This thesis concerns a peer Francis Thun (1809-1871) who was one of the most important personalities in the public and cultural life in Bohemia from the 30s till the end of the 60s of the 19th century. Thun {--} a gifted visual artist himself - was particularly interested in the institutions connected with the visual art. The author shows where his long-life interest in the visual arts was formed. She follows his childhood, upbringing, his own artistic beginning and his studies. She particularly considers his ways around Europe and his stay in Dresden, that used to be one of the most important centres of the European Romanticism, and more than a year-long traveling around England, western Europe and Italy. The last part of this thesis deliberates František Thun{\crq}s public activities {--} mainly his work in the artistic politics and in the care of monuments. This work also follows Thun{\crq}s personal life, particularly his marriage with a burgher girl thanks to it he couldn{\crq}t inherite the fideicommissum. This biography is mainly based on personal materials {--} letters and diaries. In terms of them it attempts to show Thun{\crq}s personality and his important life moments.