#OnThisDay in #history - in 1858, Eleonora Giulia Amalia Duse was born in #Italy - Duse, as she came to be known by, was born into an acting family, her grandfather & father both parts of traveling troupes. She became a member of their troupe at age 4, and acted until she retired in 1909. She was praised as one of, if not the, greatest actress of her generation (which included Sarah Bernhardt, who was a rival for roles). Duse was the first woman on the cover of Time. #OTD#histodons@histodons
Today's release: Sebastian Nothwell's MM historical fantasy Fiorenzo:
Fiore has a plan. Find a wealthy elderly gentleman, delight him until the end of his days, and retire on the inheritance. It’s the best outcome a low-born courtesan in the city of Halcyon can hope for...
#OnThisDay in #history - in 1620 Isabella Leonarda was born in #Italy - at age 16, Isabella entered an Ursuline convent, where she began her prolific #music#composition career. She was well known for her skills in her home city of Novara, and wrote at least 200 songs. She also taught the nuns in her convent how to play music. She was the first woman to publish her sonatas, and did so throughout her life. She died at age 83, after a 60 year long career. #OTD#histodons@histodons
Venice to start charging visitors entry fee next year (Reuters).
"Venice plans to experiment with an admission fee of 5 euros($5.35) for day trippers next year to try to manage the flow of tourists drawn to its historic canals, the city council said on Tuesday.
The fee will be applied on a trial basis on 30 days next year, focusing mainly on spring bank holidays and summer weekends when tourism numbers are at their peak. All visitors over the age of 14 will have to pay it.
The aim was to find "a new balance between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice and those who visit the city," Venice tourism councillor Simone Venturini said."
#OnThisDay in #history - according to tradition, a widow named Stamira sacrificed her life to help save her city, Ancona #Italy in 1173. Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa sieged the city after it allied with the Byzantines. Attacked by Venice as well, Ancona had been under siege for over 4 months. To gain some respite, Anconitans threw a barrel with resin over the walls, but couldn't light it - Stamira ran out and did so herself, buying time for her neighbors. #OTD#histodons@histodons
#OnThisDay in #history - in 1614, Lavinia Fontana died at the age of 61. She was born in Bologna, the daughter of a painter, who trained her in his craft. She became known as a portraitist, and she attracted wealthy and powerful patrons. When she married, her husband assisted her in her painting business. She was accepted to study at the University of Bologna and earned distinction. Lavinia may have also taught others as she advanced in her career. #art#artist#Italy #OTD#histodons@histodons
#OnThisDay in #history - Barbara Strozzi was baptized in 1619. From Venice, #Italy - Barbara was an accomplished singer from a young age and accompanied her signing at age 12 with a lute. In her early teens, she began training as a composer as well, Francesco Cavalli.
Barbara composed music prolifically also writing the poetic lyrics herself, and published 8 volumes of her own work. In her lifetime, she had more secular music in print than any other contemporary. #OTD#histodons@histodons