“Tuscan Cities” was first published on “The Nation” in 1874, here is a not too flattering excerpt on Livorno and its “Four Moors”:
In a shabby corner near the docks stands a statue of one of the elder Grand Dukes of Tuscany, appealing to posterity on grounds now vague--chiefly that of having placed certain Moors under tribute.
Four colossal negroes, in very bad bronze, are chained to the base of the monument, which forms with their assistance a sufficiently fantastic group; but to patronise the arts is not the line of the Livornese, and for want of the slender annuity which would keep its precinct sacred this curious memorial is buried in dockyard rubbish.
(Henry James, “Italian Hours”, Tuscan Cities, London, Heinemann, 1909)
See also: Four Moors - Cavour
It's amazing that the models were rewarded with freedom at the end of the pose!
ReplyDeleteHenry James the Terrible!
ReplyDelete:-)
It's not buried in 'dockyard rubbish' anymore, is it? Because it's a fascinating piece. Horrid too, but that's a separate matter.
ReplyDeleteAn illuminating post...and a pretty fine photograph, too.
ReplyDeleteBoy! Tell us what you really think, Henry.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and sad too!
ReplyDeleteGreat picture!
Léia
I had to smile. Henry James was a good writer. This is a most interesting sculpture.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post very much today!