Audiobook The dogaressas of Venice (the wives of the doges)

The book presents a detailed account of the dogaressas of Venice, tracing their development from early medieval origins through the height of the Republic to its decline. The author examines how the personalities and social standing of the wives of the doges influenced the decisions of the councils and the well-being of Venetian society. Unlike the visual artists of the era who rarely painted the middle-aged and elderly consorts of the doges, this work preserves their histories, detailing their patronage of the trade guilds of Murano glass and Burano lace, as well as their involvement in state pageantry and religious foundations. The narrative highlights individual figures such as the Greek princess Teodora Selvo, whose introduction of sophisticated manners and luxury items transformed palace life, and Giovanna Dandolo, who patronized early printing and lace-making. The text also covers the dark episodes of political conspiracy, forced abdications, and the tragic fates of consorts caught in the violent power struggles of the Republic. The volume concludes with the gradual erosion of the autonomy of Venice, ending with the final abdication of the last doge and the dismantling of the ancient regalia.