Venice's House of Gold

On August 16th, 1406, a young Venetian nobleman named Marin Contarini was betrothed to Soradamor Zeno, daughter of another illustrious patrician casada, or clan. The arranged match was typical of the time, a product of political expediency and mutual self-interest; it was to be sadly brief, but doubly productive – Soradamor produced three children, including the all-important son, Lunardo, but the other result of their union was the building of the Ca' d'Oro, the finest medieval palace in a city of palaces.

In this article, I will try and examine the reasons for building such an extravagant house, reasons which must first be sought in the political and economic climate of the time. I will also discuss the unique role that Marin played in the design of his own palace; and lastly, I will draw one or two conclusions as to the legacy and influence of the house.