L30/14/315/23

From Thomas Robinson (2nd Baron Grantham after 1770), Rome to Beilby Porteus.

23 Feb 1760

From: 1760 To: 1760

Banter regarding Porteus calling Grantham a man of taste. Thanks for Porteus' involvement in "a person for Mr. Villettes Children". Affair now out of Grantham's hands. Satisfaction in Rome in every direction; painting, sculpture, engraving or architecture; "every Private House from the Stable Yard to the Cabinet contains some Curiosity or other..." Main collection of sculptures in The Capitol; brief description of. The Church of Ara-Coeli covers the ground that Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus did, all it's columns belonged to the latter. The 120 white marble steps are from the Temple of Juisenieus. Statue of Jupiter cast into one of St. Peter, now in latter's Church. Lengthy description of St. Peter's follows; Cupola and it's history, original shape of Church a Grecian cross, modified by Michael Angelo, Grantham disapproves etc... Thanks for Porteus' poem sent via Grantham's father. Asks to be remembered to his friends at Cambridge. Some are with Grantham; Mr. Grant, Mr. Wynne & Mr. Mytton. Houblon & Lypiatt also there. Mentions Lord Grey & Sir Harry Mainwaring. Study of Virtue "is vigorously prosecuted by most...if properly carried on & in good & honest hands [is] a most agreeable one". Has begun regular Course of Antiquities with an Antiquarian. Conducted at Grantham's house, the Palazzo Guarnieni, " [he] instructs the Judgement as much as he amuses the eye". Talks of his proficiency in, and fondness for, the Italian language "it's softness & elegance & the Latitude of Expression it allows" etc.

item

Villettes,
Grant,
Wynne,
Mytton,
Houblon,
Lypiatt,
Grey,
Mainwaring, Harry