Francesco Contarini

The three brothers had inherited a substantial fortune, and no expense was spared on Francesco Contarini's education.

A lover of travel, Contarini was sent on several diplomatic missions, representing the Republic of Venice in many European courts.

[1] In 1611 Contarini was in England, serving as Venetian ambassador with Marc' Antonio Correr at the court of King James.

The Thirty Years' War, which had spilled into the Valtellina in February 1623, went well for Venice, although Contarini did not himself participate in fighting.

Contarini was only 67 when elected as Doge, a relatively young age for a position frequently inhabited by octogenarians.