Marcantonio Giustinian
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Marcantonio Giustinian | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Doge of Venice | |
| In office 1684–1688 | |
| Preceded by | Alvise Contarini |
| Succeeded by | Francesco Morosini |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 March 1619 |
| Died | 23 March 1688 (aged 69) Venice |
Marcantonio Giustinian (2 March 1619 – 23 March 1688) was the 107th Doge of Venice, reigning from his election on 26 January 1684 until his death.[1] Giustiniani was the quintessential Doge of the Republic of Venice, taking little interest in affairs of state. He had a little role in the conduct of the Morean War (1684-1699), which was raging during his time as Doge, though a number of military victories were secured by provveditore Francesco Morosini, who would later be Giustinian's successor as Doge.
Marcantonio Giustinian was born in Venice, the son of Pietro Giustinian and his wife Marina. From a rich family, in his youth he was given the nickname, Budella d'oro. A highly cultured man who spoke several languages, Giustinian served as the Most Serene Republic's Ambassador to the Kingdom of France. While in France, Giustinian used his great oratorical skills to convince France to provide Venice with funds that enabled it to carry on the Cretan War (1645–1669). Giustinian became a member of the Council of Ten, and held various offices, but never served in the most important positions. Giustinian never married, or even had sex with a woman, and he liked to boast that he had thereby avoided sin. He died in Venice.
