JOURNAL ARTICLE

Between Law and Custom: Praising the Prince and Representing Subjecthood in Early Modern Venice☆.

  • Published In: Renaissance Studies, 2025, v. 39, n. 4. P. 571 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Florio, Giovanni 3 of 3

Abstract

Since the early fifteenth century, cities under Venetian rule used to pay homage to each newly elected doge by means of ambassadors tasked with delivering congratulatory orations praising him. Historical sources describe this ceremonial as a custom (consuetudine), namely a long‐established practice acquiring force of law through its constant and uninterrupted observance by a community of individuals viewing it as mandatory. By promoting a closer analysis of both Venetian and local legislation on congratulatory embassies, this article questions this reading. The aim is to highlight the role of written legislation in shaping the rhetorical choices made by subject orators and in (re)defining the performative function fulfilled by the periodical homage paid to the republican prince. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Renaissance Studies. 2025/09, Vol. 39, Issue 4, p571
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0269-1213
  • DOI:10.1111/rest.12981
  • Accession Number:187572727
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