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Lovers and Scandals: Giacomo Casanova’s Life in Venice with Dr. Kristin Stasiowski

Lovers and Scandals: Giacomo Casanova’s Life in Venice with Dr. Kristin Stasiowski


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The daring adventures, salacious intrigues, and cosmopolitan pastimes of Giacomo Girolamo Casanova captive the imagination and set the heart aflame. Synonymous with seduction and forever associated with the splendor, brilliance, and excess of Venice, Casanova’s extraordinary life is a mosaic of deep contrasts and striking contradictions that illustrate and exemplify the very fragmented character of 18th century Europe.

His autobiography, Histoire de ma vie (Story of My Life), thrills readers with accounts of his legendary exploits and encounters with towering figures of European royalty and Venetian nobility (behaviors that eventually led him to be imprisoned in the famous Piombi jails beneath the Doge’s Palace). Freemason, philosopher, magician, cleric, charlatan, and so much more, Casanova is a world unto himself and offers curious learners a keen perspective on the cultural, artistic, intellectual, and political world of Venice. 

Led by an expert in Italian literature and culture, Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D, this interactive seminar will introduce participants to the historical figure of Casanova through an in-depth discussion of the intellectual, historical, and political contexts in which he operated and offer a glimpse into the scandalous life and times of one of history’s greatest “lovers.”   Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of Casanova’s complex personality and of his adventures in Venice.

Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D. is the Assistant Dean of International Programs and Education Abroad for the College of Arts and Sciences and is also an Assistant Professor of Italian Language and Literature in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Kent State University. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University in Italian Language and Literature and has taught Italian language, literature, cinema, history, and culture in both Florence, Italy, and at Kent State. She recently published a chapter entitled "A Divine Comedy for All Time: Dante's Enduring Relevance for the Contemporary Reader" in Italian Pop Culture: Media, Product, Imageries. Rome, Italy: Viella Editrice s.r.. Her current research is focused on Dante, Boccaccio, and the modern poet Clemente Rebora.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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M
M.L. (New York, US)
Brilliant lecture

I signed up because I admire Dr Stasiowski rather than because of a particular interest in Casanova. I expected an excellent lecture and it more than met my expectations. I have long been interested in Venice and now I am also interested in Casanova.

G
G. (Montreal, CA)
Casanova

My very limited knowledge of Casanova was expanded and put into the context of Venice and the time frame in which he wrote and lived.
The questions raised by the writing of memoires was brilliantly raised as well as the theatricality of Venice and its influence on Casanova's writing.
And such magnificent images of Venice were an added delight.
Dont miss Kristin's conversations - you will always learn, enjoy and delight in the time spent with her.

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Casanova

Well! I learned that Casanova was not only infamous as a lecherous man but a famous writer of a very long autobiography!!

A
A. (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
100%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
M.L. (New York, US)
Brilliant lecture

I signed up because I admire Dr Stasiowski rather than because of a particular interest in Casanova. I expected an excellent lecture and it more than met my expectations. I have long been interested in Venice and now I am also interested in Casanova.

G
G. (Montreal, CA)
Casanova

My very limited knowledge of Casanova was expanded and put into the context of Venice and the time frame in which he wrote and lived.
The questions raised by the writing of memoires was brilliantly raised as well as the theatricality of Venice and its influence on Casanova's writing.
And such magnificent images of Venice were an added delight.
Dont miss Kristin's conversations - you will always learn, enjoy and delight in the time spent with her.

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Casanova

Well! I learned that Casanova was not only infamous as a lecherous man but a famous writer of a very long autobiography!!

A
A. (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment