Marino Grimani (doge)

Given his wealthy background, Marino Grimani became podestà at a relatively young age, and was then appointed as Venice's Ambassador to the Vatican in Rome.

He became active in city politics and used his immense wealth to gain the acclaim of the people.

At this point, Grimani made liberal use of "gifts" in order to break the deadlock, and he was eventually elected Doge on 26 April 1595.

Given Grimani's popularity with the people, his election set off a long round of festivities and celebrations, and, just as these were waning, the coronation of Morosina Morosini as dogaressa set off a new round of opulent festivities.

Grimani died on 25 December 1605, leaving the dispute with the papacy unresolved.