The restitution of the dowry: the ambiguous game of the valuation of real and personal property (Venice 16th-18th centuries)
Are you already subscribed?
Login to check
whether this content is already included on your personal or institutional subscription.
Abstract
This article reconstructs the process of dowries' restitution to widows in early modern Venice on the basis of judicial sources kept in the State Archive of Venice (the collection "Giudici del proprio") as well as institutional documents. Surveys and estimations show the ambiguity of the proceedings. In particular, during the 18th century, political and familiar dynamics conditioned the process. The restitution was often connected with the institution of "fidecommissum", which demonstrates that some families were striving to free lands and other properties from these legal constrictions.
