Venetian Misogyny and European Horizons

The conclusion explores the powerful turn toward misogyny which occurred in Venice in the first half of the seventeenth century, thanks to the Academy of the Incogniti. It results clear that the new historical hermeneutics for interpreting biblical texts implied a devaluation of women, as historizing the Bible deprived it of its moral authority. Within this context the chapter considers the campaign against the talented Jewish poet Sarra Copio Sullam, who was the victim of spiteful attacks in Venice. However, the volume concludes by looking ahead to the new paths which Marinella’s and Tarabotti’s books opened up for women by spreading the ideas of gender equality across Europe.