Ships of the eighteenth century in the drawings of the library of Padua

Abstract

The exhibition Ships of the eighteenth century in the drawings of the University Library of Padua offers the city and all visitors the opportunity to learn about a heritage hitherto little known even to most scholars and enthusiasts. From the eighteenth-century papers kept in the University Library, a fascinating theory of frigates, galeazze, and sabers emerges that opens a glimpse into the events of the Serenissima Republic in the last century of its life and in particular its navy, which in the fate of the lagoon city it has always occupied a prominent place. It can thus be understood that, even in a period considered to be of decline, projects, proposals and initiatives were raging in an attempt to make Venice regain a role from which history had inexorably ousted it. We are pleased that the initiative, born from the collaboration between the University Library and the Municipality of Padua, is included in the calendar of the European Heritage Days 2007, promoted by the Council of Europe and the European Commission and supported by the Ministry of Heritage. and Cultural Activities, a showcase that allows us to present the patato-wine heritage to a wider audience. And the theme of the exhibition really concerns an important chapter in European history.