VENICE. THE BALBI PALACE. Questi palazzi e queste logge, or colte GIOVANNI DELLA CASA. AMONG the hundred noble palaces which confer a peculiar air of splendour and magnificence on the city of the sea, there is scarcely one that has been less frequently described, and to which fewer associations attach, than the Balbi. Of comparatively modern character, like the Grimani and a few others, it belongs to the tasteful and elegant style in which Palladio so much excelled. Chasteness and beauty of design, with a picturesque and dignified appearance, are its characteristics. It is situated on the Canal Grande, or, as described by Sansovino, 66 on the left hand a little beyond the Canale Picciolo, leading towards San Pantaleone;" he also adds, "that it is an extremely beautiful edifice belonging to the Balbi family, and had been erected very recently (late in the sixteenth century) in a style of architecture at once graceful and noble." Still fewer recollections remain of the family. Among these, however, the portrait of Agostino Barberigo, proveditore of Venice, is preserved in Tintoretto's grand historical painting of the victory achieved over the Turks in the year 1571. While in the act of performing prodigies of valour, he was mortally wounded by an arrow in the eye, from which are seen to flow drops of blood. This production of Tintoretto is one of the few grand compositions free from his usual exaggeration, and confers lasting celebrity on his genius. There is also some mention, in the histories of the period, of several of the name connected with public commotions, and conspiracies entered into against other members of the government. But these are without interest; and in Sansovino's very full description of Venice, there is only casual reference to a Pietro Balbi, who was elected general of an expedition in the year 1509, and who died while preparations were making for a campaign in the Morea. In this dearth of historical materials the reader, it is hoped, will hardly complain if we diverge a little into traditional recollections, and call the genius of poetry and fiction for a brief interval to fill up the break in our historical and anecdotical narrative. The following story will, perhaps, be thought not less adapted to the scene of the Balbi Palace, inasmuch as it is on record that the splendid festivals and most imposing spectacles to celebrate the naval glory of the Venetians, as exhibited on the Adriatic, commenced their solemn ceremonies, headed by the reigning doge, from the Balbi walls. The annals of Venice record that towards the conclusion of the sixteenth century there arrived at that celebrated city a lonely stranger, who speedily purchased one of the most gorgeous palazzi, near the Rialto, on the Grand Canal, and hired a train of domestics, whom he attired in the most splendid manner. At that time a new doge was just elected, and a 'sumptuous feast was prepared on the occasion. In some of the old chronicles a very minute account is given of the riches of the masquerade, the delicacies of the banquet, the exquisiteness of the music, and the consequent approbation of the numerous guests. Amongst these was our mysterious stranger. He wandered about amidst the crowds of splendid masques with a vacant and careless air, till he approached the lovely Bianca di Gonzaga, at that time the loadstar of all the eyes of Venice. At the sight of her his hitherto listless features were animated with a dark and fiery glance, and he bent on her a look in which the most powerful interest was deeply expressed. Bianca di Gonzaga was indeed a lady never to be passed without interest. Even if her figure had been less faultless, her countenance less heavenly, the mournful circumstances of her sad story would have fixed attention. The descendant of a line of the most powerful nobles in Italy, she had at one time been duchess of Pisa. A rebellion had arisen in her dominions, and a young baron had driven her from her throne to seat himself upon it. Alone, deserted by all her former friends, she had fled to Venice; where her misfortunes met with sympathy, while her beauty excited admiration. But the kindness of friendship could not efface the remembrance of love. Whilst in possession of her ducal dig |