Casanova and the Duke of Matalone look at erotic art with Leonilde

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Casanova with Leonilde and the Duke of Matalone looking at erotic art (detail, Rijksmuseum)

Zanetta Farussi, a Venetian theatre actress nicknamed ‘la Buranella’, was known for her beauty, talent and frivolous character. Married to the actor Gaetano Casanova, she had six children, including Giacomo Casanova. Despite financial difficulties and the death of her husband, Zanetta continued to act, demonstrating strength and determination, and leaving a significant mark on the life of her son Giacomo.

Born in Venice, she performed throughout Europe, from London to Dresden, where she was signed for life. Uninhibited and self-determined, she was praised by Goldoni and also wrote plays.

Zanetta Farussi was actually called Maria Giovanna Farussi or Farusso; however, she was nicknamed la Buranela. She was beautiful, talented, but also frivolous and selfish. She was married, but had numerous lovers, friends and protectors. A theatre actress, she walked the stages of theatres in numerous countries, from Venice to London, from St. Petersburg to Dresden.Zanetta was of very modest origins and her father was a shoemaker. She was born in the sestiere of Santa Croce and not in Burano, as her nickname, the Buranella, long led one to believe. At the age of sixteen, she married Gaetano Ca

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