Widows and widowhood in early modern Venice

Widows in early modern Venice accounted for a significant percentage of the female population yet they have never been studied specifically. They participated in Venetian society, through legal and financial activities, socially and culturally. They had a central role to play in the lives of many Venetian families, and were substantially involved in household management and raising children. They could be influential, both personally and through the use of testamentary conditions and they are a subject worthy of much greater attention than has been accorded them in the past. This thesis examines a number of aspects of widows' lives and considers the cultural constructs surrounding the widow