The "Nun from Murano" refers to the nun, known only as M.M., who was a prominent figure in Giacomo Casanova's memoirs, specifically in the story "The Nun of Murano," where he recounts a love affair with her.
Casanova, known as a seducer, often visited the Santa Maria degli Angeli church in Murano, where the nun lived in a nearby monastery, to listen to Mass and potentially meet with her.
Today, the convent where M.M. lived no longer exists, since it was demolished in 1810, but the church still attracts many visitors.
M.M. may have been a noblewoman of the Venetian aristocracy.
Casanova describes M.M. as a woman who was intelligent and reasoned, confident in her actions, and who continued her meetings with Casanova while also keeping her other lover informed....
During Casanova's times, many young nuns were daughters of the patrician class in 18th century Venice, who were sent to convents while awaiting the arrival of suitable upper-class husbands, as deemed appropriate by their families. Since 1563, following the enactment of laws by the Council of Trent, nuns faced increasing pressure from the Pope to adhere to the practice of cloistering (clausura). Nevertheless, they often encountered fashionable bachelors, participated in carnivals, engaged in theatrical performances, exchanged correspondence, and experienced passionate romantic relationships. Historian Maurice Andrieux noted, “Occasionally the inevitable happened – the pregnant nun, the secret birth, the rumor passed off as ‘calumny’.” Today, it seems quite unusual to consider nuns in this light.
This is Venice in the middle of the eighteenth century; Casanova is besotted with a nun, M.M., who is in no sense shy of the sport herself. Much of the business of their fling consists of finding ways through the convent’s walls; and Casanova making sure he had everything at his disposal to make the night a wonder. The night is not merely an act of copulation, but a very private and intimate performance by a committed artist.
"The Nun of Murano" is considered a captivating read for those who enjoy Casanova's lighthearted and romantic escapades.
Every Carnival has a theme and the Venice Carnival in 2025 will have the theme "In the Time of Casanova" ("Il Tempo di Casanova") to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Giacomo Casanova's birth, immersing visitors in the romance of 18th-century Venice.
While known as a lover, Casanova was also a writer, soldier, spy, diplomat, and traveler, making him an iconic figure in Venice.
The Nun of Murano is part of a trio of costumers headed by Louis Quinze, with their costumes entitled The Loves of Casanova.
I was told the very beautiful headgear was inspired from the classic 1972 Fellini film Roma...from the Desfile de moda eclesiástica (Ecclesiastical fashion show) scene where the nuns did a parade of costumes...
Naturally, they are the winners for "The most beautiful mask with a Casanova theme" at this year's Venice Carnevale.
The Venice Carnevale is not solely about masks. Local Italians prefer historical costumes or painted faces. During Carnevale, the whole Venice becomes a real life theatrical stage, and many of these historical costumes carry deep perspectives...
And as usual, the portraits are just done on the busy streets of Venice and using natural lighting only...
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