Andrea
Gritti
Doge of Venice
(1455–1538)
Biographical
Doge of Venice
Provveditore all'Arsenale
Provveditore generale, 1513
Savio del Consiglio 1513
Procurator of San Marco de supra 1509
Co-provveditore generale 1508
Head of the Council of Ten
Ducal counsellor of the sestiere of Castello
Gritti, raised by his paternal grandfather, was educated in Venice and
Padua and involved in diplomatic missions to England, France, and Spain.
After his second wife’s death in 1506, he relocated to Constantinople,
where he thrived in the grain trade, often partnering with the Genoese
Pantaleo Coresi, gaining wealth and prominence within the Venetian community.
Expelled in 1492 after being accused of espionage, he provided vital
intelligence to Venice regarding Ottoman military movements, though
his correspondence was closely monitored by the Turks. Imprisoned in
1499, he was released after 32 months following the payment of a ransom,
marking the beginning of his significant role in facilitating peace
negotiations between Venice and the Ottoman Empire, including his involvement
in the 1503 peace treaty.
On 22 May 1503, Gritti was sent as the Venetian 'orator' to the Sultan’s
court, successfully negotiating a peace agreement and returning to Venice
on 2 December with a letter from the Sultan requesting a new Venetian
bailo to ensure continued peace. Nearing fifty, he retired from his
mercantile career to focus on politics, joining key commissions and
holding various posts. In 1508, during rising tensions with the Empire,
he oversaw fortifications in Trentino, and in 1509, as procurator of
San Marco and military leader, he led Venetian forces to victory in
Padua, suppressing pro-Imperial resistance with harsh methods, including
executions and rewards for peasants who supported Venice. While some
criticised his economic tactics, they were seen as necessary for military
success.
In August 1509, Gritti implemented a daily wage of 10 soldi for workers,
primarily among the lower classes, to aid in preparations against an
imperial siege, passing the cost on to citizens. As the threat of the
siege subsided in October, he rallied the populace to remain committed
to defending Venice. Following the retreat of the imperial forces, he
took Soave from the French, reflecting his growing ambitions, symbolised
by his motto 'Sustinet nec fatiscit' ('it endures and does not weaken').
Although his request for reinstatement to a leadership position in 1510
was denied, he continued to seek greater responsibilities, aiming for
the dogate after Doge Loredan’s health declined in 1511. His political
manoeuvring, including a suggested Franco-Venetian alliance during his
imprisonment by the French in 1512, demonstrated his ambitions. After
his release, he signed the Franco-Venetian treaty, fought in the unsuccessful
siege of Novara, and later became captain-general in 1514, playing a
significant role in military affairs and diplomacy.
Despite personal rivalries and setbacks, Gritti’s influence peaked
with his position as provveditore generale in 1516 and his involvement
in King Francis I's visit to Milan in 1515. However, his political aspirations
were thwarted during the 1521 doge elections, where Loredan Grimani
was elected, and his later mercantile dealings conflicted with his public
role. Grimani’s death in 1523 gave Gritti another opportunity
to present himself as a candidate for the ducal throne. In response,
he was fiercely criticised by Alvise Priuli, who accused him of being
authoritarian, tyrannical, and unworthy of the ducal crown, with rumours
circulating about his illegitimate children in Turkey.
Gritti gained momentum when Antonio Tron, initially a favourite, withdrew
from the election, despite hostile rumours branding him pro-French,
warmongering, and arrogant. On 20 May 1523, Gritti narrowly won the
dogate by 25 votes, immediately confronting Priuli. Despite attempts
to win favour through grain distributions, Gritti remained unpopular
among both the aristocracy and the people, leading to calls for his
assassination. His centralising authority and interference in foreign
policy provoked discontent, yet he navigated the political system strategically,
asserting power while respecting established norms.
Gritti’s pragmatic approach to foreign relations, including his
peace initiative with the Ottomans, and his efforts to preserve Venice’s
heritage and engage in cultural patronage ensured his legacy, even as
his preference for Latin in legal matters remained controversial. In
his later years, the demanding role of Doge took a toll on his health.
After suffering a fall in 1530 and struggling to ascend the basilica's
pergolo, he continued his duties with resilience, living fully, enjoying
a feast on 24 December 1538, before dying four days later.
Place of birth: Bardolino, Verona
Place of burial: Church of San Giovanni and San Paolo, Venice
Son of Francesco di Triadano and Vienna di Paolo Zane, he was married
firstly to Benedetta di Luca Vendramin in 1476, and secondly to Maria
di Bernardo Donà in 1503, and had issue, including illegitimate
issue by a Greek woman.
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