very time, assumes no rank above another noble lady. 'Tis true, the
family of Andrea Doria (that great man, who restored them that
liberty they enjoy) have some particular privileges. When the senate
found it necessary to put a stop to the luxury of dress, forbidding
the wearing of jewels and brocades, they left them at liberty to make
what expence they pleased. I look with great pleasure on the statue
of that hero, which is in the court belonging to the house of duke
Doria. This puts me in mind of their palaces, which I can never
describe as I ought.--Is it not enough, that I say, they are, most
of them, the design of Palladio? The street called Strada Nova, is
perhaps the most beautiful line of building in the world. I must
particularly mention the vast palaces of Durazzo, those of the two
Balbi, joined together by a magnificent colonade (sic), that of the
Imperiale at this village of St Pierre d'Arena, and another of the
Doria. The perfection of architecture, and the utmost profusion of
rich furniture are to be seen here, disposed with the most elegant
taste, and lavish magnificence. But I am charmed with nothing so
much as the collection of pictures by the pencils of Raphael, Paulo
Veronese, Titian, Caracci, Michael Angelo, Guido, and Corregio, which
two I mention last as my particular favourites. I own, I can find no
pleasure in objects of horror; and, in my opinion, the more naturally
a crucifix is represented, the more disagreeable it is. These, my
beloved painters, shew nature, and shew it in the most charming
light. I was particularly pleased with a Lucretia in the house of
Balbi; the expressive beauty of that face and bosom, gives all the
passion of pity and adoration, that could be raised in the soul, by
the finest artist on that subject. A Cleopatra of the same hand,
deserves to be mentioned; and I should say more of her if Lucretia
had not first engaged my eyes.--Here are also some inestimable
ancient bustos (sic).--The church of St Lawrence is built of black
and white marble, where is kept that famous plate of a single
emerald, which is not now permitted to be handled, since a plot,
which, they say, was discovered, to throw it on the pavement and
break it; a childish piece of malice, which they ascribe to the king
of Sicily, to be revenged for their refusing to sell it to him. The
church of the annunciation is finely lined with marble; the pillars
are of red and white marble; that of St Ambros