Un dialogo fra due repubbliche: essere «venetiarum cliens» agli albori del XVII secolo

Abstract

The essay analyzes the relations between the Republic of Venice and the Dutch States at the beginning of the seventeenth century, highlighting the importance of cultural and diplomatic exchange. Domenico Molin, a central figure, maintained ties with Dutch intellectuals and carried out a delicate role of patronage and mediation between political and academic institutions. The interactions of Leiden scholars (Clüver, Graswinckel, Heinsius, Meurs, Vorstius) and Molin’s diplomatic efforts underscore the key role of culture in diplomacy. These relationships reveal scholars acting as clientes, essential for culturally legitimizing political authority, and show how Venice could rely on a network of intellectuals to counter monarchical ideologies through publishing. Late Flemish humanism served as a means to strengthen political authority and defend the free maritime republics.