Fra Paolo Sarpi (1562-1623)

Paolo Sarpi pseudonym for Pietro Soave Polano (1552-1623). Italian patriot, scholar, and state theologian during Venice’s struggle with Pope Paul V. between 1610 and 1628 he wrote his History of the Council of Trent, an important work decrying papal absolutism. Among Italians, he was an early advocate of the separation of church and state. Dedicate, studious and clever, at 14 Sarpi joined the Servite order and at 20 he became court theologian to the duke of Mantua, a post which gave him leisure to study Greek, Hebrew, mathematics, anatomy and botany. His many friends included Galileo.
Sarpi became something of a hero to the Venetians and was sought out by foreign visitors. He continued to live frugally and, though excommunicated, he celebrated mass to the end. He died in 1623, and his last words--Esto perpetua - May she endure - were characteristically a reference to Venice.

Michel 375, Sassone 305, AFA 321

Date of issue: 1932

Face value: 20 c.

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Date created: 22/03/00 11:41:47