Nicolò Marcello

Portrait of Nicolo Marcello by Titian
Marcello's coat of arms

Nicolò Marcello (c. 1399 – December 1, 1474) was the 69th Doge of Venice, elected in 1473. He held office for a short period, from August 13, 1473 to December 1, 1474. Said to have been inspired by a previous painting dating from the 15th century, Titian painted Nicolo Marcello's portrait long after his death.

Life

Marcello was a trader with the Orient before he undertook various important public positions in the Republic of Venice such as provost of the Council of Ten, consigliere, and procurator. Marcello married twice: first with Bianca Barbarigo and later with Contarina Contarni, with whom he had a daughter.

Doge

In the 1473 election for doge, Marcello prevailed against the future doges Pietro Mocenigo and Andrea Vendramin. During his brief reign devoted himself to reorganizing the state finances of Venice. He introduced new silver coins that were called Marcello. In his will Marcello bequeathed most of his wealth to charitable ventures.

Tomb

Upon his death Marcello was initially interred in the Santa Marina church until its restoration in 1818, at which time a new tomb was built for him by the artist Pietro Lombardo in the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (Venice).

References

Political offices
Preceded by
Nicolo Tron
Doge of Venice
1473–1474
Succeeded by
Pietro Mocenigo