Plants and the social ascent of the Meneghini Family

This chapter introduces the Meneghini family, in particular Agostino Meneghini, father of the two protagonists of this book. Previously, we knew almost nothing about him, though he presents an interesting case of social ascent. Coming from a modest background, Agostino acquired considerable wealth and cleverly integrated his family into the ranks of Padua’s elite. His purchase of villa Meneghini and his marriage politics shed light on the social norms of the early nineteenth century and on the values and views he shared with most influential figures. Andrea and Giuseppe Meneghini grew up in this environment. That they were simultaneously social climbers and an integral part of the elite explains why both later adhered to a partly similar, partly different social philosophy. Both therefore are representative of but also reveal idiosyncrasies in the multilayered reality of the Padua of the period. In addition, this chapter illustrates the role of plants and flowers in Padua’s high society.