Reference code
MAR/3/19
Title
William Calder Marshall, Florance, to his mother
Date
31 Mar - 19 Apr 1838
Level
Item
Extent & medium
10 pieces
Content Description
Describes his journey from Naples to Florence, via Leghorn and Pisa. When compared to Rome and Naples Florence is both clean and safe; Neopolitans are "the filthiest, most ragged and rascally people on the face of the globe".
He has visited the galleries of Florence, which are the best in Italy and open free to the public. The women of Florence are also the most beautiful in Italy. The peasant women are also charming, in straw bonnets, "like the glory round the head of the madonna"; all their wealth is placed in jewels.
Provides a sketch of his trip to Vesuvius, describing the crater at the top and the nature of the volcano's activity. He also went on a trip to Baiae and summarises the various classical sites visited along the way. Also mentions that he did visit Herculaneum and Pompeii. He was delighted with the paintings and thinks the Roman more advanced in painting than is commonly thought.
Venice, 19th April - he left Florence on foot with Mahony and travelled over the Appenines to Bologna and then Ferrara. Venice is splendid and its complexity puzzling. He stays ten days.