FOOTNOTES:
[20] The immediate object of the club, is the relief of sick or distressed artists of any nation, and in order to effect this purpose, each member pays a trifling annual subscription, whilst on a certain night in the year, there is a sale by auction, in the club-room, of sketches and drawings contributed by members, which are knocked down to the highest bidder. Thus it often happens, that a chance visitor becomes possessed of the productions of the most eminent artists, at a cost totally disproportioned to their real value, and which he might otherwise have been unwilling to purchase. New members pay for the whole of the wine consumed on the evening of their admission, and if it should so occur, that no fresh candidate is on the list, this expense is defrayed by one individual from among the body, who take it in turns. The election of President is a very interesting ceremony, and the same person is eligible more than once. Herr W——r, who is not only an eminent artist, but an accomplished musician, has, I believe, many times been elected President of the Cervaro Fest, and he it was who filled the chair of the Ponte Molle, during my visit to Rome.
[21] I was afterwards informed, that the tendency of the couplets was at once humorous and satirical, hitting, in rather a severe manner, the artistical peculiarities of certain men of eminence, as well as of many then present.
[22] The celebrated Thorwaldsen held this decoration in such high estimation, that discarding those which his fame and talents had procured him in every court of Europe, he presented himself before that of Denmark, wearing only the solitary and unimposing decoration of the “Order of the Bajocco.”
[23] The gentleman here named is well known in Rome, and acted I believe, at one time as secretary to the Danish sculptor before alluded to.
[24] Maria de’ Monti, one of the most popular models of Rome, who had frequently suffered annoyance from the importunities of a contadino, met him one day in the Piazza Barberini, when the solicitations were again renewed. Having indignantly rejected his addresses, and received at the same time, a provoking schiaffo, or slap in the face, she drew the spadino from her hair, and stabbed him in the breast. No sooner was the blow given, than the irritated girl ran to the French Academy on the Pincio to seek refuge, it being considered by the models as a sort of sanctuary. The man died shortly after, and on being brought before the police, Maria was immediately acquitted on the score of her youth and previous good character, and in consideration of the provocation she had received. This specimen of Roman justice may appear very lax to English minds, and its want of severity can only be reconciled by the reflection, that the criminal deed was entirely unpremeditated, and that a blow in the face is regarded by the irritable Romans, as an unpardonable insult.