News & Stories

It is with great sorrow that Save Venice announces the passing of a member of our board and a devoted supporter, Professor Theodore K. Rabb (1937–January 7, 2019).

Ted joined the board of Save Venice in 1999, well into his distinguished scholarly career. Trained at Oxford and Princeton, Ted brought formidable skills of historical analysis and a breadth of knowledge to all his endeavors, from teaching to advising to writing. He was a member of the History Department at Princeton for some 40 years as a specialist in European political and intellectual history. He was the author of many books and co-founder and co-editor of The Journal of Interdisciplinary History. He reached a large readership through his insightful reviews for The Art Newspaper and the TLS. Though based in the world of texts, Ted also had a visual mind and a love of art and art history. He combined these traits with a particular dedication to Venice and its artistic traditions. As such he was a compelling lecturer at our galas and in many venues, and one of our organization’s best ambassadors. Ted was absolutely central to the activity of Save Venice’s Projects Committee for nearly twenty years. In 2017, he became an Emeritus Director.

Not surprisingly, Ted possessed the historian’s appreciation for tradition, and could inspire others through the valuable perspective he had on the thoughts and achievements of people centuries ago. I remember with fondness the way he would shake his head and smile when he was confronted, even perhaps for the 50th time, with a great work of art in Venice. He wanted others to share his admiration for beauty and creativity, and remember how privileged we are to be the custodians of the treasures of the past.

We will miss Ted greatly when we find ourselves again in these special places.

Frederick Ilchman
Chairman