Demonstrations, riots, and rebellions鈥攂ut also graffiti, shouts, songs, and libellous placards鈥攚ere part of a repertoire that the 鈥渄isenfranchised masses鈥 used to influence elite politics in the Renaissance and early modern city. Social historians have shown that premodern European political developments can no longer exclusively be attributed to a parade of kings, lords, and princes: ordinary people were integral to political dynamics. Yet remarkably enough Venice, one of Europe鈥檚 most densely populated, dynamic, and diverse cities, is missing from this narrative. In overviews of premodern urban revolts and political unrest, Venice is either left out or presented as the benchmark of stability. This lecture will ask why this reputation for stability continues to be so resilient.
This talk will focus on the most quintessential of Venetian spaces, Piazza San Marco: as Venice鈥檚 political and religious heart, the Piazza was the central space for governmental ritual. Protests during ceremonies have been deemed 鈥渓argely incidental鈥, reinforcing Venice鈥檚 reputation for being immune to civic discord. Yet the Piazza was the ideal space for popular protests, ritual contestations, and riots. Although formally excluded from politics, this talk argues that ordinary Venetians used the Piazza鈥檚 public space to contest and influence elite politics.
Maartje van Gelder听is lecturer in Early Modern History at the University of Amsterdam. She is the co-founder and director of the Amsterdam Centre for Urban History. Her research focuses on the social history of early modern politics and diplomacy. Recent publications include a co-edited volume on听Cross-Cultural Diplomacy and Diplomatic Intermediaries in the Early Modern Mediterranean听(2015) and 鈥淭he People鈥檚 Prince. Popular Politics in Early Modern Venice鈥, forthcoming in听The Journal of Modern History.