Besides this complex and important work—the Scriptural portion of which I was to execute, while in regard to the paintings and architecture, I was assigned the post of director, with an authority to select the artists,—besides this, I say, he ordered of me the monuments to the Grand Duke Ferdinand III. his father, to his brother, his sister, and various of his children, all to be erected in the chapel called the "Vergine Ben Tornata," which is in San Lorenzo, where at present is to be seen the monument of the Grand Duchess Maria Carolina. And all these monuments I designed, and made sketches of them, which were approved by his Highness; and a royal rescript was made to me, signed by the President of the Ministry, Prince Andrea Corsini, ordering me to execute these works. But the 27th of April 1859, foreseen by all, unexpected by few, arrived and overthrew everything.
From all these statements, two facts are clear; the first, that the Grand Duke esteemed me—and the second, that I knew absolutely nothing of the revolutionary movement of these days: and this increased the not small number of persons, who held me in dislike, owing to the favour which I enjoyed at Court, and owing to the works which were intrusted to me. These persons, whom I must not call artists, showed themselves, both then and after, to be sorely deficient in intellect and heart, in blaming me for my affection and gratitude towards the Prince, who treated me so beneficently.
I have said that the events of the 27th of April were quite unexpected by me. But how was it possible for me to know anything, when those who, above all, were so intimately acquainted with what was going on, kept me at a distance, and some, as for instance the Marquis Gualterio, who usually frequented my studio, withdrew entirely from me? Besides, how many there were who were as much in the dark as I, though they were in a position that almost obliged them not to be ignorant! I remember that the Sardinian Minister, Buoncompagni, who lived in the Pennetti Palace in Borgo Pinti, gave every week (I do not remember on what day) a reception or party at which I met and conversed, with the utmost frankness, with the Advocate Vincenzo Salvagnoli, Giovanni Baldasseroni, then Minister, the Marquis Lajatico, the Marchioness Ginori, as well as the Princess Conti and others, and all of us were ignorant.
DEMONSTRATION AGAINST GRAND DUKE.
It was only on Easter morning (I believe it was the antivigilia of the revolution) that I heard that something was to occur, but vaguely; there was nothing positive or precise. There was to be some sort of demonstration or manifestation to induce the Grand Duke to enter into a league with Piedmont for the war of independence. But afterwards, reassured by one who ought to have known more than I, that it was really nothing, but mere idle talk, and childish vague reports, I believed him. And then? The day after, I met Count Scipione Borghesi, my excellent friend, who, as soon as he saw me, said—
"Well, I have just arrived from Siena; and to what point have we come?"
"About what?" I answered.
"About our request—about our demonstration, which is already organised. It should take place to-day. What! you know nothing about it?"
"I know nothing—and there is nothing to know; trust me, for I ought to know something about it," I answered, assuming rather an air of authority.
My friend was a little disturbed at first; and then smiling, he added—