The Blood of Christ

Easter is the most important event in the Christian calendar, and that was no different in the times of the Republic of Venice.

It should therefore be no surprise that several events took place during the week of Easter, and that all classes participated.

A couple of these events included a rather special relic, which is still in the treasury of the Basilica di San Marco.

It is a sample of the blood of Jesus.

Just to muddle the waters, there's a similar relic in the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.

Both of them originate in Constantinople.

#1500s #1600s #1700s #Easter #histodons #Schools #Venezia #Venice

Read more here: https://venetianstories.com/venetian-story/the-blood-of-christ/

#biketouring #discover #italy #explore #countryside #aesthetic #cycling #photography #abandoned #architecture #centuriesold #buildings #decay #abandonedplaces #1600s #1700s #1800s

https://pixelfed.social/p/Biketouring.Nearby/934519060469768361

Courtesans

The ancient Venetians had a rather ambiguous relationship with prostitution. It was both rejected and accepted.

Prostitution was rejected because it was seen as immoral and dishonest.

However, it was also accepted because the alternative was perceived to be sodomy, which is a mortal sin.

At the same time, the courtesans of Venice in the 1500s and 1600s were famous and celebrated. Important people came from all over Europe to enjoy their company. Kings, dukes and even cardinals requested the services of the most famous courtesans.

This ambiguity is evident in the following four prints.

They're from the same publication, the Habiti delle Donne Venetiane, published around 1610 by Giacomo Franco.

#1600s #Courtesans #Venezia #Venice #Women

Read more here: https://venetianstories.com/venetian-story/courtesans/