Charles Firmian, Count von (1718–1782) An important manuscri...

Charles Firmian, Count von (1718–1782) An important manuscript letter of recommendation introducing Thomas Steavens to Scipione Maffei (1675–1755), Vienna, 7 May 1749. Latin manuscript in brown ink on laid paper, one bifolium, pp.2 with two blanks, headed "Viro Nobilissimo Scipioni Marchioni Maffejo, Carolus Firmianus S.P.D." and dated in Roman form "Vindobonae Non. Maj. MDCCXLIX". Retaining original folds, with occasional light spotting and minor marginal wear; generally very good. Addressed to the celebrated Veronese scholar, antiquary and dramatist Scipione Maffei, the letter introduces Thomas Steavens during his Italian journey. Firmian praises Maffei's exceptional humanity and distinguished services to literature and the arts, before commending Steavens: "Thomas Steavenius Eques Anglus Graecis Latinisque litteris apprime pro gentis suae cultissimae more instructus Iter Italicum aggreditur" — "Thomas Steavens, an English gentleman exceptionally accomplished in Greek and Latin learning, in the manner of his most cultivated nation, is undertaking an Italian journey." Firmian records that Steavens had been held in considerable esteem in Saxony and Brandenburg and had left a profound sense of his absence at the imperial court and throughout Viennese society. He earnestly requests that Maffei receive him, declaring that any kindness shown to Steavens would be regarded as a personal favour. Firmian concludes: "Vale, Marchio Nobilissime, et Te litteris, Patriae tuae, imo Europae universae serva diutissime" — "Farewell, most noble Marquis, and preserve yourself for many years for literature, for your country, and indeed for all Europe." A significant document demonstrating Firmian's close friendship with Steavens and his role in introducing the young English traveller into the highest scholarly circles of eighteenth-century Italy. Maffei was closely associated with the Biblioteca Capitolare di Verona and played an important part in the rediscovery and study of its ancient manuscripts. See Scipione Maffei, Epistolario (1700–1755), ed. Celestino Garibotto, 2 vols (Milan: A. Giuffrè, 1955), for Maffei's correspondence; and Antonio Spagnolo, I manoscritti della Biblioteca Capitolare di Verona: catalogo descrittivo (Verona: Casa Editrice Mazziana, 1996), for the manuscript collections of the Biblioteca Capitolare.

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