Exhibition in Portogruaro explores the history of Venice's dogaressas

The exhibition 'La dogaressa tra storia e mito' at Palazzo Vescovile in Portogruaro examines the role of the dogaressa, the wife of the Venetian doge, as a historical figure who often introduced foreign fashions and entrepreneurial projects. The show is organized into five sections. 'Opulenza bizantina e morigeratezza veneziana' highlights the Greek dogaressa Teodora, wife of Doge Domenico Selvo (1071–1084), who introduced perfume-making to Venice, later recognized as the Renaissance capital of perfume. This section also displays 17th- and 18th-century Murano glass. 'Patrocini virtuosi e nobile erudizione' focuses on the entrepreneurial qualities of dogaressas, notably Giovanna Dandolo, wife of Pasquale Malipiero (1457–1462), who patronized printing and lace-making, leading to Burano becoming the world's first lace center. 'Cerimonia di incoronazione della dogaressa' features paintings and prints documenting the entry of Marchesina, wife of Lorenzo Tiepolo (1268–1275), into the Doge's Palace. 'Miti e revival del mondo dogale' includes Francesco Hayez's painting 'I due Foscari'. 'Le dogaresse del XX secolo' is dedicated to the 'last dogaressas' who supported the arts, including Peggy Guggenheim and Countess Anna Morosini, friend of d'Annunzio, Shaw, Prince von Bulow, and the Shah of Persia. The exhibition runs until May 19, 2024.