Venice and Padua

In September, 1592, Galileo was appointed lecturer in mathematics at the University of Padua, in the Republic of Venice, for a term of 4 years (Figure 1) . He would end up staying there until 1610. Galileo spent much of his time in Venice (Figure 2) , where he had a mistress, Marina Gamba. In 1600 they would have a daughter, Virginia, who remained particularly close to Galileo the rest of their lives. For more about this relationship, read Dava Sobel’s book, Galileo’s Daughter, or watch the NOVA movie, Galileo’s Battle for the Heavens.

Four years later, a supernova appeared, which Kepler described in De stella nova (1606) (Figure 3) (Figure 4) . Many observers felt that such changes in the heavens suggested that the heavens are corruptible, contrary to Aristotle.

Galileo returned to Florence for the summer of 1605 to tutor Cosimo II, son of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in mathematics.

Exhibit revised 11/16/04.

Exhibit credit: Kerry Magruder, with the assistance of , Marilyn B. Ogilvie, Duane H. D. Roller.