Photo 1. Dr. Ivana Čapeta Rakić at the Library of the Museo Correr, Venice
Between the 12th and 25th of May 2025, I carried out a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) within the COST Action Print Culture and Public Spheres in Central Europe, 1500–1800 (CA23137) at the University of Padua. My research focused on the iconography of the Rosary in printed devotional books produced between 1500 and 1650, especially those originating from Venice and its surrounding region.
During those two weeks, I explored several major libraries and collections across the Veneto region, combining working with digital catalogues and databases with direct examinations of rare printed editions. Many of these books contain rich visual material related to Marian devotion, the Rosary, and confraternal practices. By the end of the stay, I had identified and documented more than fifty illustrated prints, supported by detailed notes on their iconography, style, and composition.
Photo 2. Alberto da Castello, Rosary, 1524, Library of the Giorgio Cini Foundation, Venice
The experience was both productive and inspiring. Working within the vibrant academic environment of Padua and Venice provided an exceptional opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues and specialists from the University of Padua, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and the Giorgio Cini Foundation. These discussions helped to broaden my perspective on the circulation of religious imagery and the role of print in shaping early modern visual culture.
The findings from this research will form the basis of a new chapter in my forthcoming monograph on the iconography of the Rosary in Venetian territories before and after the Battle of Lepanto. A scholarly article expanding on this topic is also in preparation, and the COST Action will be duly acknowledged for supporting this important phase of work.
Beyond the concrete research results, the mission strengthened international connections and created new opportunities for collaboration. It was a truly enriching experience—academically, professionally, and personally.
Photo 3. Meeting with colleagues from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Last update:
Manage Consent
To provide you with an optimised experience, we use technologies such as cookies to store and/or access device information. If you consent to these technologies, we may process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this website. If you do not give or withdraw your consent, certain features and functions may be impaired.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service expressly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
Die technische Speicherung oder der Zugriff, der ausschließlich zu statistischen Zwecken erfolgt.Technical storage or access used solely for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, the voluntary consent of your Internet service provider or additional records from third parties, the information stored or accessed for this purpose alone cannot generally be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is necessary to create user profiles, to send advertising or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
