Antonio Grimani

Born in a humble Venetian family, Antonio was engaged most of his career in trade to improve his social and financial position. Through shrewd business decisions and participation in international commerce he was able to amass a large fortune, and became known as one of the most influential merchants in the Republic.

His ambitions led him to involve in the public life and politics of the Most Serene Republic of Venice.

In 1494 Antonio was elected a Procurator of San Marco, and in 1499 a Captain General of the Sea (Capitano da Mar) although he lacked maritime and commanding experience. That became evident with the outbreak of the new war between Venice and the Ottoman Empire in 1499, when his incompetence caused two defeats in the battles of Sapienza and Zonchio and led to significant Venetian losses. He was brought back to Venice in chains and sentenced to exile on the island of Cherso in the Kvarner Gulf. However, he was allowed to return in Venice in 1509. Antonio not only restored his position, but he was elected to the dogeship in 1521. At the age of 87, he is known as the oldest doge in Venetian history. He remained on the throne of San Marco shortly and died two years later.