Item 1: List and Signature by Le Prince [Klemens von] de Metternich [Italian/French Language], 1817-1856
Item — Box: 2, Folder: 1
Dates
- Created: 1817-1856
Creator
Disclaimer for Name and Subject Authorities
Some of the name and subject authority tags have been assigned by educated guessing and estimation of persons and subjects by region, age, profession, and familial relationships. They have been thoroughly researched by using primary and secondary sources available digitally, and named in each description, or in some cases linked directly to the person tag.
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
List/signature
Condition Note:
Fair. Vinegar smell.
Measurements:
12 in. x 9 ½ in.
Description:
The following item is a list written in Italian and French signed by Metternich, Clemens Wenzel Lothar, Fürst von, 1773-1859 sometime after 1817 and before 1856. The list seems to be a collection of art pieces, books, and maps followed by a note after each. Some of these notes involve a sum of paoli afterward, a form of Italian currency that was removed from common use in 1856. The first three pieces are artwork. The first is a painting of Santo Campo, a monumental cemetery in Pisa, Italy well known for frescos, sarcophagi, and chapels, followed by a price of 400 Paoli. The second is presumably an illustration of the Royal Gallery of Florence, currently known as the Uffizi, which holds works from Raphael, Botticelli, da Vinci, and Michelangelo. The third piece is a picture compilation of a journey through Tuscany, in northern Italy, such as this. This is followed by the Divine Comedy, a historical poem by Dante Alighieri, next to which is the word “letto”, suggesting that he had read the book or is planning to read the book. The next piece is the writings of Altieri, possibly referring to pieces by poet/playwright Vittorio Alfieri or pieces by musician Paolo Altieri. This is followed by a French liturgical book, presumably regarding communal prayer. The final two items are a map of Italy and a small map of Italy, both of which are written in French, rather than Italian, like in the rest of the list. This list may have been a list of items purchased by Metternich, a receipt, or a to-do list. Metternich was a German prince of the Austrian Empire and was integral to the Concert of Europe. He served as an ambassador, the foreign minister of Austria, and the Chancellor of the Austrian Empire in his life. During his office, he stamped out many nationalist revolts in northern Italy, still under Austrian rule at the time. He appreciated the arts, particularly music, and was acquainted with composers such as Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Franz Liszt. He often visited Italy and this list may have been a way for him to acquaint himself with more Italian culture and language, as the Divine Comedy and the locations the portraits show are key components of Italian history and culture.
Location:
Campo santo di Pisa; Uffizi Gallery; Tuscany (Italy)
Transcription:
Transcript Attempt:
1. Pittura al campo santo - 400 Paoli
2. Reale galleria di Firenze - 143 Sonantis(?), 80 franchi
3. Viaggio pittorico della Toscana - Somnipitire(?)
4. La divina comedia - letto
5. Opere d’Altieri - 420 Paoli
6. Les asp(?) Alla liturgia francese - 150.
7. Carte de l'Italie [French language]
8. Petite Carte d'Italie [French language]
Le Prince de Metternich [signature]
Translation: 1. Painting of the Holy Camp - 400 Paoli 2. Royal Gallery of Florence - 143 Sonantis(?), 80 franchi 3. Pictorial journey in Tuscany - Somnipitire(?) 4. The divine comedy - read 5. The writings of Altieri - 420 Paoli 6. The asp(?) to the French liturgy - 150. 7. Map of Italy 8. Small map of Italy
Le Prince de Metternich [signature]
Translation: 1. Painting of the Holy Camp - 400 Paoli 2. Royal Gallery of Florence - 143 Sonantis(?), 80 franchi 3. Pictorial journey in Tuscany - Somnipitire(?) 4. The divine comedy - read 5. The writings of Altieri - 420 Paoli 6. The asp(?) to the French liturgy - 150. 7. Map of Italy 8. Small map of Italy
Creator
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu