The Dogaressa of Venice, 1200-1500

Book excerpt: 'Dogaressa' was the title given the wife of the elected leader (doge) in late medieval Venice. This study traces the evolution of the ducal consort's public identity and the limitations placed upon her during Venice's development into an international economic and political power. The book examines the challenges of female proximity to and interaction with Venice's unique and male-dominated political system and considers the tensions between the state, family and gender that met in the person of the ducal consort. Consideration of this unique female office in the context of other political consorts and their civic functions enhances historical understanding of women, family and gendered political environments in late medieval Italy.