3-075-109 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Mariana" - by Professor Gellt, of Florence, 1890. Engraving of a painting. '"Mariana"...has none of the open frankness of the contadina; none of the unrestrained simplicity of country life. She has lived in towns, and felt the troubles of life, and perhaps even known some of its harder struggles. Her eyes are bright, her face is round and comely, but its lines have already - and she is still young - acquired a decision which is begotten of contact with others shrewder than herself. She has not, however, forgotten that she is a woman, and therefore capable of pleasing. She can wear bright-coloured cloak and hood with as much grace as a Countess going to a ball; and she can look as deeply into the eyes of her lover and fathom his inmost thoughts. But "Mariana" is neither harsh nor intrigante: she takes the pleasures of life as they offer themselves, and enjoys herself without misgivings or doubt as to the fortunes of to-morrow. An Italian in every movement of her supple body, a Tuscan in the grace with which she carries her pretty face, she is well chosen as a type by an artist who desires to revive a national art'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.