Bartolomeo Gradenigo

As a member of the old Venetian nobility and skillful trader, Gradenigo had a considerable fortune at his disposal and was renowned for his love of luxury. His father was Angelo da San Lio, the Duke of Candia (Crete). Due to his wealth and prestige that he enjoyed, the public services as podestà of Ragusa and Capodistria, as well as procurator of San Marco were available to him.

Devoted to politics, in 1339 Bartolomeo was elected the 53rd Doge, the most prestigious public office in the Venetian Republic. It was the peak of his political career. He used his position to support his large family with as many lucrative offices. From the period of his reign originates an interesting legend based on an actual event that occurred on 15 February 1340.

The strong and threatening storm hit the city that day, and was finally overwhelmed through the supernatural intervention of St. Mark, St. George and St. Nicholas. They gave to the fisherman a ring to be delivered to the doge Gradenigo. Since then, the ring was a part of ducal jewelry symbolizing the connection between St. Mark and the city of Venice.

That event is also displayed on the famous painting, “The Presentation of the Ring” by Paris Bordone.