NEW DESCRIPTJO.% 
 
 HOLM H A M , 
 
 THE MAG.Ui^i^:L:Vi biiAT OF 
 
 T. W. COKE, ESQ. M. V* 
 
 Contaiuing ; onat of the 
 
 PAINTINGS, 'S, TAPESTRY, &c; 
 
 n. OF THl^ 
 
 EM BE J. 
 
\ 
 
M. B. A. 
 
NEW DESCRIPTION 
 
 ^ 
 
 THE MAGNIFICENT SEAT 
 
 OF 
 
 T. W. COKE5 ESQ. M. P. 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 A FULL AND ACCURATE ACCOUNT 
 OF THE 
 
 PAINTINGS, STATUES, TAPESTRY, kc. 
 
 WITH A 
 
 PICTURESQUE TOUR OF THE 
 
 GARDEMS Aim PARK. 
 
 EMBELLISHED WITH A VIEW OF THE SOUTH FRONT. 
 WELLS: 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. NETILLE. 
 
 1826. 
 
WELLS: 
 PRINTED BY H. NEVILLE. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 — ^#^»»— 
 
 One of ^he principal motives which have 
 induced the present pnbiisher to issue a 
 7iew edition of this work, has been the 
 rnanj/ changes of situation in the paint-- 
 inrjs, and improvements made in the superb 
 residence it is intended to illustrate. 
 Besides, the former edition being so im" 
 perfect, and frequent demands being made 
 for a new icork, it became necessary to 
 plan one, 
 
 Tn svbmiiting a new description of 
 Ho Ik h a m ,to t h e pub lie, n u mero n s i mp rove-- 
 ments and additions have been made, in 
 order to render it an entertaining as well 
 as useful catalogue. Short Biographical 
 7iotices of the principal painters whose 
 talents are combined in embellishing this 
 
iv PREFACE. 
 
 splendid collection^ are noir f/iven, toge^ 
 ther tcith the periods at which those illiis-» 
 trioiis per sonarjes flourished^ ivhose statues 
 or busts form so valuable a portion oj this 
 noble domain. It is hoped that this ivill 
 be found a material acquisition. 
 
 In all other respects the work has been 
 got up tcith that care and attention its 
 subject requires; and when we consider 
 the extreme beauty of the many gems of 
 art^ both in Painting^ and Sculpture^ 
 which are present in the collection before 
 nSf we cannot siifficiently admire the 
 liberal spirit of its illustrious proprietor^ 
 in thus generously throwing it open for 
 public inspection^ on appointed days^ 
 
 Wells, May, 1826. 
 
SlElW DESCRIPTION 
 
 OF 
 
 HOLKHAM. 
 
 The House of holkham, one of the most 
 magnificent piles of architecture in this 
 kingdom, and perhaps in the whole world, 
 stands in a fine park, within three miles from 
 the sea-port town of Wells; distant about 
 10 miles from Fakenham, and 120 from 
 JLondon. The surrounding country is fer- 
 tile, adorned with woods, and abounding 
 with abundance of game; the air is pure 
 and salubrious; and all the necessaries and 
 many of the elegancies of life are plentiful 
 and choice. 
 
 Holkham was built in the years 1734 to 
 1764, by the late Earl and Countess of 
 Leicester, It may properly be said to con- 
 sist of five quadrangles, i. e, a large central 
 
2 
 
 DESCKIPTION OF HOLKI'AM. 
 
 buikliiio', ai)d four wini>s; (onsequently 
 each side presents a perfect and regular 
 front. The junction of each wing to the 
 innin body, by means of corridoi s, is a most 
 admirable conti ivatice, as they serve either 
 to unite the principal floors of the vvings 
 with the state apartments, or to detach it 
 from them at pleasure; communicating 
 either directly with the lawn, or with the 
 servants' offices below on the basement 
 story. This is one of the chief advantages 
 attending the plan of Holkham, which 
 seems to have been borrowed from Palla- 
 dio's plan of a Villa designed for the Ca- 
 valier Leonardo Mocenigo upon the Brenta, 
 with some trifling deviations. Accordingly, 
 we find both the plan and the execution 
 excellently adapted to answer those mo- 
 mentous purposes; and while the more mo- 
 dern and shewy fabrics arc only the boast 
 of an age> Holkham seems calculated to 
 stand uninjured by the lapse of years, and 
 to excite the admiration of foreigners as 
 well as natives, in proportion as it is better 
 known. 
 
DESf RiPTlON OF HOLKIIAM. 
 
 3 
 
 From Fakenham, the usual approach, 
 we enter the park through a grand ^ri?im- 
 phal arc/i^ or spacious portal of the doric 
 order, from wljich a fine vista of a mile and 
 a half leads to the obelisk; this column 
 which stands on an eminence in the centre 
 of the park, leaves the tallest trees, that 
 seem crowding* round its base, at an im- 
 mense distance below, while light clumps, 
 shady groves, and plantations of different 
 shapes and hues skirt the bounding dales, 
 or clothe the remoter slopes. Pursuing the 
 road from the obelisk, a broad gravel-road 
 conducts us to the JV*orth Fronts which 
 consists of a centre and two wings, with a 
 tier of Venetian windows, over another of 
 small square sashes in the rustic basement. 
 The ofildinof of the window frames and 
 sashes, which has been lately renewed by 
 Mr. Coke, gives the whole a truly mag- 
 nificent appearance. The whole extent of 
 this front is 344 feet. 
 
 The South Fronts is highly elegant. 
 The portico is in the purest style of 
 
4 
 
 DESCUIPTION OF HOLKHAM* 
 
 corijithian order. It cosiimnsids a calm 
 scene, a view that, wiiiunit surprising, no 
 repetition can render indifferent: tlie eye 
 rests on it with coinplaceiiry, and returns 
 to it with delior^ht. The fore-sfi'ound is a 
 fine lawn, frequently covered with sheep, 
 and enlivened v/ith pheasants, so fame as to 
 follow their feeder; the pleasure grounds 
 succeed; behind is a beautiful perspective 
 of the obelisk. The length of this front 
 is also 344 feet. 
 
 The Central part of this celebrated House, 
 the dimensions of which are 62 feet by 114; 
 contains the principal, or grand apartments, 
 which are joined to the pavilions by gal- 
 leries, or rectilinear corridors. These 
 apartments present one regular suite of five 
 rooms, diminishing from the centre; which 
 is the largest and most splendid, communi- 
 cating with facility, and receding gradu- 
 ally to the extreme and lesser apartments 
 situated in the wings; with which on the 
 south side, the corridors included, it forms 
 an enfilade of twelve distinct spaces or 
 
UESCniPTION Ot" nOLKHAM. 
 
 5 
 
 rooms, terminated at each eiul by a window, 
 and produces an extent of nearly 344 feet. 
 The four wings, or pavilions; each of 
 which in dimension is 60 feet by 70. has 
 its respective destination. 
 
 The Stranger's Winn, is wholly calcu- 
 lated to accommodate visitors at Holkham. 
 To answer this intention, it is divided upon 
 the ground floor into single bed-chambers; 
 and above on the principal floor it is again 
 divided into bed-chambers, with single or 
 double dressing rooms, as may be occasion- 
 ally requisite; communicating by a corri- 
 dor with the grand apartments, at the north 
 end of the statue gallery. 
 
 The Family Wing. This wing exclu- 
 sive of the apartments occupied by the 
 family; contains the Library, and two ad- 
 ditional rooms fitted up by Mr. Coke, the 
 one for the reception of his invaluable col- 
 lection of manuscripts, which have for many 
 years been deposited in the tower library, 
 almost unnoticed; the other for the earliest 
 
 editions of the classics. 
 
 B 
 
6 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 The Chapel V/ing. The principal floor 
 of this wing, contains the Chapel, and two 
 complete sleeping apartments, over which, 
 are lodging rooms for some of the servants 
 cf the faniiiy. The lower part is appro- 
 priated to the laundry and dairy offices, 
 with a drying yard and court attached^ 
 
 The Kitchen Wing. This wing is allot- 
 ted to the uses of the kitchen, and its offi- 
 ces, with servants' hall, having bed-rooms 
 over it; this has likewise its contiguous 
 court. These courts, although they con- 
 tain a number of siiia?!er buildings, com- 
 inodiously ^^ituated near the offices to which 
 they belong; are so judiciously concealed 
 from outward cbservf^tion, that their boun* 
 dary wall, which rises no higher than to 
 the plinth of the bf^sement story, is not per- 
 ceived on either sKie of the principal fronts. 
 
 Basement Si cry. Under this story are 
 the cellars, and various other places, ap* 
 propriated to different uses, corresponding 
 in size with the rcoiiis above, so tb^t the 
 partition walk might have a sale ibuadatian. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 7 
 
 being carried up directly from the cellar 
 floor. Each room and passage being en- 
 tirely arched over with groined brickv/ork, 
 and executed in such a masterly style, as 
 to particularly attract the notice of every 
 person who has had an opportunity of iiif 
 specting them. 
 
 In large extended country houses where 
 the chief apartments occupy the plan of the 
 ground floor, the offices are frequently 
 branched out at considerable distances in 
 the neighbooriog pavilions; but conveni- 
 ency was one of the Earl of Leicester's 
 leacling maxims, and this judicious princi- 
 ple is dilfused through every part of the 
 plan; which though extensive, and nume- 
 rous in its divisions, is neverdieless, con- 
 structed with that beautiful simpiicityj and 
 with that perfect symmetry and disposition, 
 from which comfort and commodiousness 
 uniformly result. 
 
 To obtain these desirable objects, the 
 plan of a rustic basement was adopted, 
 being at that period of time, applied tq 
 
8 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM* 
 
 many capital villas, erected in different 
 parts of this Kingdom; in imitation of 
 Palladio's villas in the V^enetian territories. 
 The peculiar advantage of this disposition, 
 consists, in having- the servants' offices, to 
 which the basement story is appropriated^ 
 placed under the principal apartments; 
 consequently, nearer tq the master and his 
 company. 
 
 The chimney-pieces throughout the House 
 are of various marbles, and executed in 
 fine style by Pickjord. The ceilings are 
 elegant, chiefly taken from designs of Inigo 
 Jones, and executed by Carter. 
 
 The apartments of this Mansion are fur- 
 nished magnificent: the sculpture, paint- 
 ings and tapestry, attract universal and de- 
 served attention, but as it is impossible to 
 do them adequate justice in any general 
 description, we shall conduct our readers 
 through the grand suite of rooms, usually 
 open to public inspection, in the order in 
 which they are shewn, and enumerate the 
 most celebrated productions of art in each^ 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 9 
 
 O71 application to the House^ the Porter 
 conducts the company into the 
 
 VESTIBULE UNDER the PORTICO, 
 
 we shall therefore describe the subjects in it. 
 
 Over the chimney is a marble medallion 
 of Carneades, the Cyrenean philosopher. 
 He founded the third academy at Athens. 
 His bust in the Farnese gallery, perfectly 
 agrees with the features of this one; the 
 work of the hair and face is Grecian, and 
 antique; the other parts were restored by 
 Cavaceppi. 
 
 Against the jambs between the arches are the four 
 following bustoes. 
 
 Seneca, in marble, the philosopher and 
 tragic poet. He was put to death A. D. 64. 
 
 Lysias, an antique herma, the Atheni- 
 an orator, he was the scholar of Socrates; 
 only thirty-four of his orations are extant; 
 he died 378 years B. C. 
 
 Plato, in marble, he is always repre- 
 sented with a protuberance of beard, his 
 
10 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKIIAM, 
 
 hair plaited, disposed in regular curls, and 
 tied round the head with a fillet. Like- 
 nesses of him in gems and marbles, are 
 frequently to be met with. This great phi- 
 losopher was a disciple of Socrates, he lived 
 about 348 years B. C. 
 
 Cicero^ in marble, the famous roman ora- 
 tor, copied after that in the florence gal- 
 lery. He was put to death 43 years B. 
 
 Opposite the medallion, is a large antique 
 Figure of Jupiter^ holding in his hand 
 a Patera. This figure was purchased in 
 Italy, by the Earl of Leicester, it is entire, 
 except the arms and hands, which have 
 been restored. 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. W^hen the Gauls besieg-ed the Ca- 
 pitol, Jupiter directed the garrison to make all their 
 corn into loaves of bread, and throw them into the 
 enemy's camp, to make them believe that they had 
 plenty of provisions. The stratagem succeeded, and 
 the siege was raised ; after this success, the Romans 
 built a temple to Jovi Pistori. 
 
 The following' plaster casts in the niches^ are from 
 antique statu€;s. 
 
 A dancing Faun^ in the gallery of Florence 
 Apollo of the Belvidere, A cast of an 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLRHAM* 11 
 
 original mould, taken from that Statue in 
 1750. This is a cast of peculiar merit. 
 
 The following* beautiful lines relative to the orig'inal 
 statue, (which in form, attitude, and countenance ap- 
 pears to be something" superhuman,) are founded on a 
 stcry contained in Pinel on madness, and from the kin- 
 dred and delig'htful associations, which exist between 
 poetry and sculpture, may prove interesting to the reader* 
 
 — "While on that form in wild delirious trance 
 With more than revVence gazM the Maid of France, 
 Day after day the love-sick dreamer stood 
 With him alone, nor thoug-ht it solitude; 
 To cherish grief, her last her dearest care, 
 Her one fond hope^to perish of despair. 
 Oft as the shifting light her sight beguiTd, 
 Blushing* she shrunk, and thought the marble smil'd : 
 Oft breathless list'niiig heard, or seera'd to hear, 
 A voice of music melt upon her ear. 
 Slowly she wan'd, and cold and senseless grown, 
 Clos'd her dim eyes, herself benumbM to stone : 
 Yet love in death a sickly strength supplied, 
 Once more she gaz'd, then feebly smiPd and died." 
 
 Ganymede of Villa Medici. 
 
 Ptolemy^ of the grand Duke's gallery at 
 Florence. There were two of this name; 
 the one surnamed Lagus, the other Phila- 
 delphus. This is most probably a cast 
 of Lagus as being most renowned. H# 
 died 285 years B. C. 
 
 MeleageVj ofPichini. 
 
 Venus di Belle Fesse. 
 
12 BtJSCRIPtlON or ttOLKHAM. 
 
 On each side of the door is a side-board 
 slab of Mount Edgecumbe red Granite^ 
 with ormolu borders; that on the right 
 supports the busts of Mr. Coke. — Earl of 
 Albemarle. — and Mr. Bloom. The left 
 slab supports the busts of Heraclitvis. — • 
 Democritas. — and the Earl of Albemarle^ 
 
 An antique Cinerary Urn, in the form 
 of an altar, inscribed to Petronio Hedy- 
 chro, ornamented with festoons, supported 
 at the angles, by Candelabra. Romulus 
 and Remus sucking the Wolf, and the sa- 
 cred Chickens feeding, are decorations on 
 its front. On each side are Griffins sittinga 
 This supports the bust of Mr. Coke. 
 
 The other is inscribed to C. Calpurnio. 
 Boys in bas-relievo, bearing up fes- 
 toons of flowers and fruit, and a genius 
 transporting the soul of the dead, to the 
 regions of Pluto and Proserpine, are its 
 ornaments. This supports the bust of 
 Colonel Heathcote, purchased at Rome by 
 Mr. Coke. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 13 
 
 THE 
 
 EGYPTIAN HALL. 
 
 Through a sinali rustic door we enter 
 the Hail, 46 feet by 70, a grand and finely 
 proportioned apartment, which lies in the 
 centre of the north front: this is supported 
 by fluted Ionic variagated marble pillars, 
 which forai the colonnade or gallery of 
 communication leading to the apartments 
 on each side of the hall, and which is sup- 
 ported on a basement of variagated marble, 
 was taken from the Ionic Temple of For- 
 tunia Virilis at Rome; round the upper 
 and lower parts of the basement, is a bor- 
 der of black marble, inlaid with white a la 
 grecque. — The floor is of .portland stone, 
 bordered with another of a dark color, 
 which produces a good effect. — The stuc- 
 coed compartments of the lofty vaulted ceil- 
 ing, which is the height of the building, or 
 e 
 
14 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM, 
 
 forty three feet, deserves particular atten- 
 tion. — The tribunal part, or semicircular 
 niche at the upper end, contains the flight 
 of steps leading up to the Saloon. The 
 hexagonal mosaics in the head of the niche 
 were copied from Degodetz*s designs of 
 the temple of peace, given in his book of 
 roman antiquities* 
 
 Imagination can scarcely form an idea 
 inore majestic, than that of diis hall ; which 
 is one of the noblest derived to us from the 
 ancients; nor perhaps can any space be 
 found of the same magnitude, that will ad- 
 mit of a grander display of architecture. 
 Its stately range of Sated columns of va- 
 riegated marble; the splendor of its various 
 ornaments in the ceiling, in the cove, in 
 the soffits of the architrave, and in the co- 
 lonnades, all decorated with such admirable 
 propriety, from the purest models of anti- 
 quity; jointly produce on the mind of the 
 admiring spectator, an elFect every way 
 correspondiiig with the most exalted ideais 
 of Vitruvian magnificence. 
 
BESCRTPTfON OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 15 
 
 Over ihe entrance door into the ha!!, 
 which is p irticii^nry striking from its sim«^ 
 pjicity, is the following inscription. 
 
 TBLS SEAT ON AN OPEN BARREN 
 ESTATE, WAS PLANNED, PLANTED, 
 BUILT, DECORATED AND INHAKITED 
 THE MIDDLE OF THE EIGHTEENTH 
 CENTURY, 
 BY THOMAS COKE, EARL OF LEICESTER. 
 
 To the right, is a small figure of the 
 River Nile, in while marble^ 
 
 In the niches of the colonnade are the following" Statues. 
 
 Apollo, from an antique in the stair case 
 of Cardinal Alexander Aibani's palace at 
 Rome, restored by Carlos Monaldi, of 
 whom this cast was purchased. 
 
 Flora^ OF the empress Sabina, in that 
 character; a cast from a most antique dra- 
 pery figure, found in the Villa Adriana, 
 preserved in the capitol. She was wife of 
 the emperor Adrian; celebrated for her 
 many virtues. His treatment of her was 
 extremely harsh, and she at length fell li, 
 Yi€tim to his asperity. 
 
16 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM, 
 
 Bacchus, of the Villa Medici, a rare 
 cast. 
 
 Isis, or priestess of Isis, a cast from the 
 statue in the capitol. 
 
 Trial of Socrates, in alto-relief, well 
 executed by Westinacott. 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. Melitus accuse 1 Socrates of vio- 
 lating- the law in not beli iviiig- the deities which the city 
 believed, but introducing* other new Gods. \?hen sen- 
 tence was passed ou Socrates, it did not in the least 
 shake his constancy. " I am going",'' said he, address- 
 ing- himself to his judges with a noble tranquility, "to 
 suiF r death by your order, to which nalure had con- 
 demned me from the first moment of my birth ; but my 
 accusers will suiFer no le.^s from iiifa^ny and injustice 
 by the decrees of truth/' One of the most distinguish- 
 ing qualities of Socrates, was a tranquility of soul that 
 no accident, uo loss, no injury, no il'-treatment, could 
 ever alter. 
 
 Septimins Severifs, Emperor of Rome, a 
 great military conqueror, remarkable for 
 his avarice and ambition, to gratify which 
 passions he shed torrents of blood. He 
 died A. D. 211. 
 
 Death of Germanicus, in bas-relief, 
 beautifully executed by Nollekins^ 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. " Germauicus, the nephew of 
 Tiberius became the objact of his jealousy, on account 
 of the glory which he acquired by his lijihtary exploits 
 
DESCttiPTION OF HOLKHAM. 17 
 
 in Germany; and by the high favor with which he was 
 reg-arded by the Roman people. He was therefore re- 
 called by Tiberius, aud apj>ointed g'overMor of all the 
 provinces of Asia. (xern);ujicus d parted from Rome 
 Oil his eastoru expeditiouj aiid v,as soon ai'rer poisoned 
 by Ciieias Piso gov-roor of Syria, whom Tiberius had 
 previously instructed to oppose hiai on every occasion, 
 and even to procure his death. The whole empire was 
 greatly distressed on heariiig of the fate of Germanicus: 
 but the people or" Rome set no bounds to their sorrow, 
 disreg-arding- ali public and private business, and filling- 
 the streets with lamentations/" He died at Daphue, 
 near Antioch, aged 34, A. D. 19. 
 
 A marble antique Fauny with the nac^* 
 chare or castanets. 
 
 Over the door leading into the Saloon, 
 is a bust of the Earl of Leicester^ the 
 noble founder of this mansion. 
 
 An antique Faun in marble, purchased 
 of Mr. Pond. 
 
 A bas-relief, representing the delivering 
 up the gates of Florence to Cosmo the 
 Great. Cosmo I. was grand duke of Tus- 
 cany. This was purchased by Mr. Coke, 
 during his tour in Italy. 
 
 Agrrppma Minora^ (in travertine stone,* 
 
 ♦ Few S.atues remain of this stone, which is a lime- 
 stone deposited from the water of the Anio, and which 
 is hardened in a remarkable degree by exposure to the air 
 
18 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 an antique.) She was the mother of Nero, 
 and without depicting- her cruel and licen- 
 tious character, it is sufficient to say; that 
 the times of the Roman Einpire, in which 
 she lived, furnished the worst samples of 
 human depravity in both sexes; the inevi- 
 table result of unbounded power, when 
 lodged in the hands of weak and wicked 
 characters. 
 
 Venus di Belle Fesse. Pal. Farnese^ 
 A cast^ 
 
 ^ Fauriy from the antique. A cast. 
 
 Julia Mammea^ (a ditto) the virtuous 
 mother of a virtuous son, Alexander Seve- 
 rus, to whose education and morals she paid 
 particular attention. They were too good 
 for the times in which they lived, and 
 were murdered by the pretorian guards. 
 
 AntinouSj of the capitol (a do.) A hand- 
 some youth of Bithynia, to whom at his 
 death the Emperor Adrian erected a Tem- 
 ple. His statue was placed in the capitol 
 at Rome. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 19 
 
 NORTH DINING ROOM. 
 
 From the colonnade we enter this apart*^ 
 ment which is well adapted for its destina- 
 tion, being large, lofty, and commodiously 
 situated. It commands a fine view of the 
 lake and church, with the woods interven- 
 ing. The ceiling- with its fine dome, and 
 the foliage scrolls in the archway leading 
 to the side-board are richly carved and 
 superbly gilt. The two chimney-pieces 
 are composed of Sicilian jasper trusses and 
 statuary marble mixed, and of excellent 
 workmanship. The bear and bee-hive on 
 the one; the sow, with her litter, and the 
 wolf the other, are truly deserving attention. 
 
 The side-board table, the frame and 
 legs of which are of porphyry, (a fragment 
 of an ancient sarcophagus,) are enriched 
 with ormolu ornaments. The slab is of 
 Egyptian green marble, in which the 
 asbestos's^ is said to be found. Beneath it 
 
 * This peculiar mineral, which may frequently be 
 found in Scotland, is of a fibrous structure, and was 
 woven by the ancients into cloth, in which they wrap- 
 ped the bodies of the deceased when placed on the fune* 
 
20 DES( RIPTION OF HOIKHAM, 
 
 stands a large basin of rflount edgerumlie 
 ted granite. The block was a present 
 from Lord Edgecnnibe. 
 
 On each side o f f 1 1 e u i cb e are t w o a n t i q ii o 
 heads, or modern busfoes, of African color- 
 ed marble, and placed on consolcv's;. On t!i# 
 left is Getfij sou of the Kmperor Severng^ 
 who was stabbed by bis brotlier Oiraealla^ 
 that he might reign alone. 
 
 On the right that of Mareus AureUus^ 
 Emperor of Rome, of a family descended 
 from Numa. 
 
 Under each of these is a table of antique 
 oriental alabaster. 
 
 In eliptical niches, above the chimney 
 pieces, are two large heads. One Juno^ 
 Queen of the Gods* This for character, 
 workmanship, and preservation, is truly 
 excellent. 
 
 The other, Lucius Verusy Emperor of 
 
 ral pile. From the circumstance that the strong'est fire 
 has no effect on the Asbestos, they were thus enabled 
 to distinguish the ashes of their friends from tliose of 
 the pile. Analysis has shown it to consist of lime, silex, 
 mag^uesia^ alumina^ and oxide of iron. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 21 
 
 Rome, and successor to Marcus Aurelius. 
 He was a most voluptuous and dissipated 
 prince* At a simple banquet consisting of 
 twelve persons, he spent six millions of 
 sesterces, about £=^2,200 sterling-. This was 
 found in clearing the port of Keftuno. 
 
 After crossing the tribune of the Statue g-allcry, we 
 enter, through the corridor into the anti-room belong- 
 ing- to the stranger's wing\ 
 
 ANTI-ROOM TO STRANGERS WING. 
 
 Chimney piece, table and pateras, are of 
 veined marble. Ceiling white and gold. 
 
 The paintings are full length portraits 
 of Lady Anne Coke, and her Son, by Sir 
 Godfrey Kneller. Richard Coke. Mary 
 Rouse, his Wife. Robert Coke, their Son. 
 Lord Coke, and the Earl and Countess of 
 Leicester, by Chevalier Casali. 
 Portraits of the Countess of Salisbury, hy 
 Jarvis. Mrs. Price, by Sir P. Lely. 
 A Venetian Lady and her Son, an early 
 specimen of Giorgione. A lady and her 
 daughter, by an unknown master. 
 
 On a pedestal, is a small antique head. 
 
22 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM* 
 
 RED AND YELLOW DRESSING ROOM. 
 
 A veined statuary marble chimney piece, 
 with a tablet of red porphyry* Ceiling 
 white and gold. 
 
 The paintings are, the reconciliation of 
 Jacob and Esau, by Pietro da Cortono. 
 
 Two pictures, representing the four ele- 
 ments. 
 
 Lord Chief Justice Coke, and his Wife 
 Mrs. Paston, by Chevalier Casali. 
 
 Archbishop Laud, by Vandyke. 
 
 Henry Coke, of Torrington, fifth Son 
 of Lord Chief Justice Coke, and Margaret 
 Lovelace, his Wife, by Chevalier Casali. 
 
 RED AND YELLOW BED CHAMBER. 
 
 The tapestry hangings of this room, are 
 from designs by Watteau. They represent 
 groups of figures amusing themselves in 
 dancing, music, &c. and are admirably 
 executed by Vanderbank — The furniture 
 and hangings are red and yellow damask, 
 richly lined with silk— The bed-posts are 
 profusely gilt, their extremities adorned 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 23 
 
 with wheat-ears, and the top rises into a 
 dome, and surmounted with a coronet. 
 The chimney piece, plymouth and statuary 
 marbles, and the ceiling superbly guilt. 
 Portrait of Mr. Coke, by Hayter„ 
 
 SMALL DRESSING ROOM. 
 
 Chimney piece. Statuary and Giallo 
 Antico marbles. Ceiling white and gold. 
 
 The pictures in this room are, a land- 
 scape and ruins, figure of time, and two 
 boys sitting on a column, over the side 
 door, by Gisolfi. 
 
 Deborah and Barak, by Solimene. 
 
 Two landscapes, by Bout and Bond win. 
 
 Ruins, by Viviani. 
 
 Apollo and Daphne, by C. Maratti. 
 
 Ruins and figures, by Viviani. 
 
 A Sea storm, by Livi Meus. 
 
 Figures and ruins, with a Church, by 
 M. Angelo Carravaggio. 
 
 Three views of Naples, by Occhiali, 
 
 Two small paintings of fish and fowls, 
 by Dupret. 
 
 Landscape and figures, by Polenburg. 
 
24 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 BLUE AND YELLOW BED CHAMBER. 
 
 The chimney piece is of Fior di Persica, 
 statuary marble frieze, enriched with a 
 Goloss. Ceiling white and gold. 
 
 A painting of Cupids sleeping, and 
 nymphs of Diana clipping their wings, by 
 Crespi. 
 
 Four landscapes, by Luccatelli. 
 
 Lot and his daughters. St. Jerome, in 
 a landscape. Diana and her Nymphs, by 
 Dominichino.^ 
 
 St. John preaching in the desert, by 
 Luca Giordano. 
 
 The Virgin Mary reading, by Carlo 
 Maratti. 
 
 An allegorical representation of youth 
 and age, by Lanfranco. 
 
 YELLOW DRESSING ROOM. 
 
 Chimney piece, black and yellow, with 
 Statuary marble ornaments. Ceiling white 
 and gold. 
 
 * Dominichino, born at Bologna in Italy. He studied 
 in the school of the Caracci, and soon attained g-reat 
 pre-eminence in his art. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 25 
 
 A portrait of T. W. Coke, Esq. painted 
 at Rorne, by P. Baton'. 
 
 Cincinnatus at the plough, by Luigi 
 Gorzi.*!* 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. The Roman deputies are deliver- 
 ing to him the orders of the Senate 3 he has a spade in 
 his hand, shaped like one of those still used in Rome 3 
 a damsel stands by his side, ready to invest him vv^itii 
 the dictatorial robe, which she holds extended. The 
 scene is laid in a field near the banks of the Tiber, 
 where the event happened : and the back ground is 
 closed with a view of the modern buildings, upon the 
 Capitol hill. 
 
 Its companion, Sophonisba, by ditto. 
 A large picture of Lucretia, by Luca 
 Giordano. 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. Lucretia is in the act of stabbing 
 herself in the presence of Lucretius her ftxther, her 
 husband CoUatinus, and their friends, as related by 
 Livy. 
 
 Galatea, by Albano. 
 A landscape by Claude. 
 Ditto, by N. Poussin. 
 
 BROWN BEDCHAMBER. 
 The tapestry of this apartment, is from 
 designs by Watteau, and well executed 
 
 * Batoni, born at Lucca in 1708. He attained great 
 celebrity, and received a patent of nobility from the 
 Emperor Joseph. He died at Rome in 1787. 
 
 f Garzi, was the pupil of A. Sacchi, and considered 
 by some superior to Carlo Maratti. 
 
26 DESCRIPTION OP HOLKHAM. 
 
 with groups of figures &c, by Vanderbank. 
 Ceiling white and gold. Chimney piece, 
 of dove marble* 
 
 The four pieces of flowers and fruit over 
 the doors, are from the pencil of the Miss 
 Blackwells, and Mr. Reinagle. 
 
 BROWN DRESSING ROOM. 
 
 Ceiling an oval in an oblong square frame. 
 Chimney piece, green and siena yellow 
 marbles, and Derbyshire spar. 
 
 Opposite the fire place, is a large Chiaro- 
 Obscuro painting upon board, being a part 
 of the celebrated Cartoon of Pisa, by Mi- 
 chael Angelo. It was purchased out of 
 the Barberini collection. 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. Vasari, in the life of M. Angelo 
 Buonaroti, g-ives the following" account of it. " At the 
 time that Fietro Soderini was Gonfaloniere of Florence, 
 he employed Michael Ang-elo to paint part of the Coun- 
 cil Hall, in concurrence with Leonardo da Vinci." For 
 which purpose Michael Ang-elo had assig-ned to him an 
 apartment in the Ospital of the Dyers of San Onofrio^ 
 ■where he beg-un a very large Cartoon filled with naked 
 men bathing in the River Arno during the heat of the 
 day. In that very instant was heard towards the Coun- 
 try a beating to arms under the pretence of an attack 
 from the Enemy. In the hurry and confusion occasion^ 
 ed thereby may be observed, Soldiers getting out of the 
 water to dress themselves, the g-reat eagerness of others 
 arming" themselves in order to assist their Companions, 
 some employed in buttoning on their own dress, and 
 others in putting- on different parts of their armour. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 27 
 
 This cabinet is particularly worthy the attention of 
 admirers of the fine arts, as it contains a very rare and 
 larg'e collection of original drawings by eminent masters, 
 part of which were purchased at Rome, for the Earl of 
 Leicester. 
 
 A drawing of Hannibal passing the Alps. 
 
 Soldiers breaking down a bridge, in 
 bistre, by Parmegiano. 
 
 St John baptizing our Saviour, pen and 
 bistre. The Salutation. The Madonna, 
 in red chalk. The Annunciation, in ditto. 
 The Virgin and Child, in red chalk. A 
 female head. The ascension, A female 
 head, in red chalk on blue paper. A fe- 
 male Saint. Head of a Madonna, by Car- 
 lo Maratti.* 
 
 A historical subject. 
 
 An academy figure, in black and white 
 chalk, by Lanfranco. 
 
 A study of a man, in red chalk. Head 
 
 * C. Marattif born in 1625. He was the pupil of 
 A. Sacchi, and soon attained the highest eminence. His 
 style of painting the Marys has always been consider- 
 ably and justly admired. Clement XI. made him a ca- 
 valiere. He died in 1713, 
 
28 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM* 
 
 of a man, in black chalk. A man's head, 
 by Corregio. 
 
 Four pictures of Academy figures, in 
 red chalk. St. Francis healing the lame 
 man, by Andrea Sacchi. 
 
 The flight into Egypt, with the pen, by 
 Agostioo Carracci. 
 
 Restoring sight to the blind, by Geovan- 
 ni Bonati. 
 
 Christ with the cross, pen and wash, by 
 Gieusepi D' Arpino. 
 
 Christ bearing his cross, by Lucca D' 
 Olanda. 
 
 A study of a figure. Virgin, child and 
 St. John, by Raphael, 
 
 Jacob's journey, in red chalk, by Cas- 
 tiglione. 
 
 The infant St. John, in red chalk. An 
 academy figure. Venus and Adonis, by 
 Guercino. 
 
 A female portrait, in red chalk. Study 
 of an Apostle, in pen and ink, by Titian, 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 29 
 
 An academy figure, in red chalk, by 
 Bernini. 
 
 Two landscapes, in red chalk, by Bo- 
 lognese. 
 
 A fox, by Annibal Carrachi. 
 
 The assumption of the Virgin, by Pietro 
 da Pietre. 
 
 A saint preaching. The martyrdom of 
 St. Andrew, by Pietro da Cortona. 
 
 Cupid and Psyche, by Julio Romano. 
 
 A figure from the antique, in red chalk. 
 
 An historical ditto, in ditto. 
 
 An historical subject, in red chalk. 
 
 A figure of Esculapius, from the antique, 
 in ditto. 
 
 A battle piece, by M. Leander. 
 
 The marriage of Joseph and the Virg in 
 Mary, by Agostino 3Iasucci. 
 
 An historical subject, in black and 
 white chalk. 
 
30 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 Battle piece, by Allegrini. 
 
 Wise men offering, in bistre, by Pietro 
 Perugino.^ 
 
 Two girls' heads, said to be Benedetto 
 Luti's daughters, drawn by himself. 
 
 Fom^ circular drawings, in red chalk, 
 from Dominichino's paintings in the Church 
 of St, Sylvester, upon Monto Cavallo, by 
 Giacomo Frey. 
 
 Two heads, in red and white chalk, by 
 Mr. Kent. 
 
 A study of a head, in black chalk on 
 blue paper, by Guido. 
 
 A female bathing, by Guisepi D' Arpino. 
 
 On the chimney piece, a small bust of 
 the Duke of Bedford. 
 
 We now take leave of this wing, to enter 
 upon a new scene of delight, and 
 
 " Hail the great Artists, whose enchanting' skill, 
 " Can mould the passions, and controul the wil'.'' 
 
 * Pietro Perugino, was the instructor of Raphael. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 31 
 
 CORRIDOR. 
 Over the Bookcase is placed a fine 
 antique busto of the Emperor Salonius. 
 
 A plaster cast of the little Apollo in the 
 Villa Medici. 
 
 A ditto of CcimUh/s in the capifol. 
 
 A ditto of the Venus di Medici. 
 
 A cast of the muse Urania, 
 
 A bust of Sir Joseph Banks. 
 
 TRIBUNE OF THE STATUE GALLERY. 
 
 The first statue that presents itself on 
 the right is Lucius Verns^ in a consular 
 habit, which is very intire, and also an 
 excellent likeness of that Emperor, so well 
 known by his medais. This antique statue 
 was purchased at Rome* 
 
 Lucius Antonius the orator, and brother 
 of Marc Antony. A very capital antique 
 figure, purchased at Rome. 
 
 Agrippina, the virtuous and intrepid 
 wife of Germanicus. An imperial figure 
 
32 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 in the character of Ceres. She has the 
 diadem on her head, ivhich is antique, so 
 is the whole figure, except the arms and 
 hands, and some few plaits in her drapery, 
 which have been restored. In Rome there 
 are many statues of a large size, such as 
 the Sabini Matrons, in the Loggia of the 
 Villa Medici, Livia Mattei, and others, 
 but none superior to this in excellency of 
 sculpture. It was purchased of Beiesario 
 Amedei, who procured it from the Villa 
 Ginetti at Veletri, in the roman territory. 
 
 A statue of Juno^ queen of the Gods, 
 of a size nearly colossal: the head, torso, 
 and legs are antique, and in a very high 
 state of sculpture: her drapery which is 
 held up by her arm, and disposed in large 
 flowing folds, not commonly to be met with 
 in the antique, adds much to the majesty 
 of the Goddess. The late Mr. Roubiliac, 
 when at Ilolkham, prefered this statue to 
 any in the gallery, but held many others 
 in the highest estimation. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM, 
 
 33 
 
 STATUE GALLERY. 
 
 This spacious apartment, which occupies 
 the entire west front of the central part of 
 the mansion, is the most complete in this 
 kingdom, for the manner and style of 
 finishing, and is a grand and distinguishing 
 feature in the plan of Holkham; it bears 
 analogy to that in the late Earl of Bur- 
 lington's Villa at Chiswick, undoubtedly 
 taken, though with many deviations, from 
 the Marchese Capris; built by Andrea 
 Palladio near Vincenza. Chimney piece 
 is of veined and statuary marble and siena 
 tablet. The ceiling of this room is plain, 
 with only a single cornice under it su- 
 perbly gilt, which is Palladio's Corinthian, 
 but more enriched. The heads of the 
 niches at each end of the gallery, are deco- 
 rated with the lozenge mosaic, taken from 
 the temple of the sun and moon, out of De- 
 godetz, and richly gilt. 
 
 The whole length of this splendid gal- 
 lery including the tribune and vestibule, is 
 105 feet. 
 
34 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 Oil each side the entrance into the gallery from the 
 tribune, are two busts. 
 
 On the right that of Cornelius Sylla, the 
 famous dictator, is the least in the gallery, 
 said to be the only one of him now re- 
 maining. For the age in which he flou- 
 rished, the style of the sculpture is very 
 excellent. 
 
 On the left, Metredorus^ the philosopher 
 and scholar of Epicurus, upon a console 
 near the angle; remarkable for its fine 
 execution. 
 
 CereSy a statue of excellent workmanship: 
 crowned with wheat ears and poppies; 
 bearing' a cornucopia, one of the character- 
 istic marks of that Goddess. 
 
 Minervay of excellent workmanship. 
 The head, breast-plate and toga of which 
 are perfects 
 
 Bacchus^ purchased of Cavaceppi, who 
 restored the right hand and left arm: all 
 the rest is intirely antique, and in good 
 preservation. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 35 
 
 Diana, purchased and sent out of Rome 
 by the Earl of Leicester, for which offence 
 his Lordship, (known at that time by the 
 name of Cavalier Coke,) was put under 
 arrest, but released soon after at the solici- 
 tation of the grand Duke of Tuscany. 
 
 This statue, one of the most exceUent amongst the 
 drapery fig-ures of the ancients, and perhaps the most 
 beautiful representation of that Goddess any where to 
 be met with, is for the conveuiency of removing" it, 
 composed of two pieces of Parian marble 5 the upper 
 piece is fitted to the lower, under the folds of the gar- 
 ment, above the cincture, which effectually conceals 
 the joint: her right arm is raised, and the hand bent 
 backward, in the attitude of reaching an arrow from 
 hei" quiver, which hangs on the same shoulder ; while 
 the other hand holds the bow; the left foot advances, 
 and the right falls gracefally back, to preserve the 
 equilibrium of the figure : by this movement the limbs 
 are gently contrasted. The Cavalier Camiilo Rusconi, 
 an eminent sculpture of great merit, whose fame is well 
 known in Italy, added the head and some of the fingers, 
 which are the only parts of it that are modern. It is 
 supposed, on very good authority, that this statue of 
 Diana was formerly in the possession of that admirable 
 Roman orator and statesman, Cicero. 
 
 Venus, in wet drapery, almost entirely 
 antique and of exquisite workmanship: her 
 left hand in which she holds a vase, is the 
 only part that is modern. This statue and its 
 companion the Mel eager, were purchased of 
 Belisario Amedei, the merchant in Piazza 
 Novona. It was restored by Cavaceppi, 
 
36 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM* 
 
 On the cornice of the chimney piece, are two marble 
 biistoes, both copies from the antique. 
 
 Marcus Aurelkis^ Emperor of Rome* 
 He was a remarkable kind and benevolent 
 Prince. 
 
 CaracaUa^ who was also Emperor of 
 Rome. He was the son of Severus, being- 
 ambitious of ruling- alone, he killed his 
 brother Geta in his mother's arms. He 
 even exceeded Nero and Domitian in 
 cruelty. He killed his wife Plautina. 
 He once made his soldiers draw upon a 
 crowded audience, and he murdered such 
 crowds at an amphitheatre at Alexandria, 
 that the blood coloured the waters of the 
 Nile. He resigned six years, and was as- 
 sassinated by Macrinus, a centurion. A. 
 217. 
 
 In a niche over the chimney piece. 
 
 Pythian Apollo^ of Greek workmanship: 
 the tripod on which he leans is antique: 
 purchased in Italy. Above is a head of 
 Cyhehy which is excellent: the style is 
 Grecian, and entirely antique. 
 
BiiSCRlPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 37 
 
 Meleaqer, in Parian marble: the left 
 arm, legs and boar's head, were added by 
 Cavaceppi. This seems to be of Roman 
 sculpture; the proportions are very suita- 
 ble to the character, 
 
 Faunns^ in Parian marble; a very entire 
 and capital antique figure; he is crowned 
 with pampini. 
 
 It may not be improper here, to remark, that there 
 were two kinds of the Parian marble used by the an- 
 cients; one of the fine, the other of a larger grain : this 
 is of the Ifitter sort, called by the Romans, Marino Sa- 
 lino, from its sparkling particles resembling salt. This 
 figure was dug up in the Campagna of Rome, and first 
 purchased by Cardinal Albani, from whom it was bought 
 soon after, in the condition in which it was found, en- 
 crusted over with the tartar of the earth. This statue 
 still bears the marks of the chisel, and is supposed to be 
 a rival in excellence, to the famous statue of the Apollo 
 Belvidere. 
 
 Neptune^ in Parian marble, and well 
 preserved. Statues of that deity are ex- 
 tremely rare. This was purchased of Carlo 
 Monaldi. 
 
 On each side the entrance into the vestibule from the 
 gallery, are two fine antique busts. 
 
 On the right, that of the Elder Brutus^ 
 the founder of Roman liberty. As the 
 father of his country, he put his sons to 
 
 F 
 
38 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM; 
 
 death for attempting to subvert that repub- 
 lic, which he had established. The con- 
 flict between his duty as a magistrate, and 
 his countenance at the execution of his sons 
 has furnished a fine subject for historical 
 painting. 
 
 On the left, Seneca^ in Travertine stone^ 
 remarkable for the marks of age in the 
 face, for the likeness to his other bustoes, 
 and for its fine preservation. 
 
 Also two young Fauns, standing erect, 
 with one leg across the other, playing fis- 
 tulas, of Parian marble: their attitudes are 
 the same as that in the Villa Borghese, to 
 which in character and workmanship they 
 are very little inferior: one was purchased 
 of Cardinal Alexander Albanij the other of 
 Cavaceppi the sculptor. 
 
 Under the window piers, are two very 
 beautiful tables of Alabastro Peccorella, 
 purchased of Cavaceppi. In the centre 
 window, is a curious mosaic marble table, 
 purchased from the Villa Adrian, near 
 Tivoli, which supports a fine marble bust 
 of Mr. Coke, by Francis, 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 39 
 
 VESTIBULE TO STATUE GALLERY. 
 
 This is fitted up with four book cases, 
 in large niches, containing- a collection of 
 maps and other valuable books, for the use 
 of company. Above the doors and book 
 cases, are placed six antique marble bus- 
 toes. 
 
 Adrian, Emperor of Rome and nephew 
 of Trajan, remarkable for the urbanity of 
 his manners joined to a good understand- 
 ing. He is said to have spent thirteen 
 years in visiting all parts of the empire like 
 the sun in his course, dispensing blessings. 
 In Britain he built the famous wall called 
 by his name, to prevent the incursions of 
 the Picts and Scots. He rebuilt Carthage, 
 calling it Adrianople, He also rebuilt Je- 
 rusalem, and renewed and beautified the 
 tomb of Pompey. He hailed death as a 
 blessing, after a well spent life, and ex- 
 pired repeating some beautiful verses, in 
 the 62nd. year of his age, and 22nd. of his 
 reign. A. D. 139. He was succeeded by 
 Antoninus Pius, 
 
40 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 Julia Mammea, the mother of Alexan-« 
 der Severus. 
 
 Julia of Titus, the wife of Sabinus, fa- 
 mous only for her vices, 
 
 Marcus AureliuSj Emperor of Rome, 
 who was called the Great Aurelius, on 
 account of his efforts for the public good, 
 
 Gallienus, Emperor of Rome, He suc- 
 ceeded Valerian his father, who was cho- 
 sen in preference to Emilianus, at the age 
 of seventy, but falling into the hands of 
 Sapor King of Persia; that cruel prince 
 treated him in the most inhuman manner, 
 using him as a foot-stool, when he mount- 
 ed his horse; and after seven years suffer- 
 ings, ordered his eyes to be put out, and 
 had him flayed alive, Gallienus promised 
 to revenge his father's wrongs, but alas! in 
 the lap of luxury he forgot his promise. 
 He was slain by his own soldiers, at the 
 siege of Milan, and left the character of 
 being a friend only to mimics, parasites 
 and buffoons! He was slain in the year 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 41 
 
 268, and was succeeded by Flavius Clau- 
 dius. 
 
 Geta^ Caracalla and Geta being left 
 joint heirs to the Empire, (on the death of 
 their father Severus,) soon shewed a mutual 
 hatred to each other, and Caracalla being- 
 resolved to govern alone, Geta fell a vic- 
 tim to his hatred. 
 
 CORRIDOR. 
 
 A large picture of the trial of Algernon 
 Sidney^ by Solomon Williams, member of 
 the Clementine Academy Bologna. 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. The historical fact which consti- 
 tutes the subject of this painting", is so universally 
 known, that little more is necessary than to retrace a 
 few of the leading- circumstances, in order to recall to 
 memory, the magnanimity firmly displayed, in opposi- 
 tion to power most shamefully abused. Algernon Sid- 
 ney was brought to trial for a plot imputed to him. 
 His Judges were the inhuman JefFeries, Withins, and 
 Holloway : under whose direction a verdict of guilt was 
 found, by a partial jury. Algernon Sidney exclaimed 
 against the iniquity of the sentence; solemnly invoking* 
 heaven not to visit on his country tlie judgment of his 
 innocent blood. Jefferies immediately replied, " I pray 
 God work in you a temper fit to go into the other world 
 with, for I see you are not fit for this." Sidney answered 
 with a composed greatness of mind. '^My Lord, feel 
 my pulse, and see if I am disordered : I bless God I 
 never was in a better temper than now." This is the 
 aftecting moment that has been chosen by the artist. 
 
42 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 A representation of the different degrees of sensibility 
 excited in the auditors, according' to their various cha- 
 racters, has been a great object of his study. The ti- 
 gures composing the principal groups, are therefore 
 portraits of the persons on the memorable occasion. The 
 engraved key of references to the principal characters, 
 willbe found extremely useful in examining this painting. 
 
 Over the left hand door. A fine antique 
 bust of Homer. 
 
 CLASSICAL LIBRARY. 
 
 The chimney piece, of purple and white 
 carrara marble. Ceiling white and g-old. 
 
 On the chimney piece, the egyptian God 
 Canopiis^ oriental antique alabaster. 
 
 A full length portrait of Mr. Coke, by 
 Reinagle. 
 
 A portrait of Mrs. Coke. 
 
 A portrait of Lady Anson. 
 
 A portrait of Lady Andover. 
 
 A portrait of Mrs. Spencer Stanhope. 
 
 These four portraits were painted by Barber. 
 
 On a pedestal, is a plaster cast of Cupid 
 and Psyche^ in the Florentine Gallery. 
 
 The present possessor of Holkham, has fitted up this 
 room with elegant Bookcases, for the reception of a 
 large collection of some very early and valuable editions 
 of the classics, selected from the north and south tower 
 libraries. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 43 
 
 MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY. 
 
 Chimney piece, dove marble* Ceiling 
 white and gold^ 
 
 Whole length portrait of the celebrated 
 Mr. Roscoe, by Shee. 
 
 Long" may Liverpool enjoy the pleasure of possessing" 
 the Scholar without pedantry, — the Patriot without re- 
 proach,— the Christian without superstition, — the Man, 
 "^ho is an ornament to human nature. 
 
 A portrait of Doctor Parr, by Opie* 
 
 An excellent likeness of Dr. Parr. What Charles 
 5th, of Germany remarked of the propriety of speaking* 
 to different persons in different languag-es, may also be 
 applied in speaking of persons To describe adequately 
 Dr. Parr's character in any other language than the 
 Grecian would be as unsuitable, as it would be difficult. 
 Suffice it here to say of this once celebrated scholar, that 
 the commanding energies of his mind were tempered by 
 great benevolence of disposition, and g-enuine goodness 
 of heart. 
 
 A portrait of Mr. Rishton, by Barber. 
 
 The lively intelligence expressed in the countenance 
 of this picture, renders it very interesting. Mr. Rish- 
 ton is one of Mr. Coke's earliest and most valued 
 friends, and a gentleman no less disting-uished for the 
 urbanity of his manners, than for his shining" talents, 
 and general information. 
 
 On a pedestal, a fine bust of the Bishop 
 of Norwich. 
 
 On each side the windows are two marble 
 
44 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 slabs of Mount Edgecumbe red granite^ 
 in gilt metal frames. 
 
 This room has lately been fitted up by 
 Mr. Coke, for the reception of his superb 
 collection of Manuscripts, (about 800 vols.) 
 which have recently, by the able assistance 
 of the liberal and enlightened Mr. Roscoe, 
 been inspected and restored. This elegant 
 scholar and historian, the boast of Liver- 
 pool, and the ornament of the republic of 
 letters, has by the most indefatigable peru- 
 sal of these manuscripts, been enabled to 
 ascertain their age and value, and he has 
 enriched them with notes and observations 
 of his own, which must prove entertaining 
 to every man of classical taste and erudition* 
 
 From the splendid collection of MSS. 
 in the Holkham Library, the following are 
 selected as specimens of great antiquity, 
 extraordinary beauty of execution, and re- 
 markable preservation. 
 
 No. 1. A copy of the Hebrew Law or 
 Pentateuch written on Deer-skins j 
 above one hundred and six feet in 
 
I^ESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 45 
 
 leiiti'tli, by two feet and one inch wide. 
 Probably of tbe XV. Century. 
 
 An ancient copy of the Evangelists 
 in Greek, on Vellum, of the IX. or 
 X. Century, exhibiting some singular 
 specimens of painting and delineation. 
 
 A well preserved MS. of the Vul- 
 gate, or Jerome's Latin translation of 
 the Bible, w ritten on Vellum, for Pope 
 Clement VII. towards the close of the 
 XIV. Century, and ornamented by 
 numerous beautiful miniatures and 
 borders in gold and colors. 
 
 16. 36. and 37. Four unique MSS. 
 whether considered with regard to the 
 extraordinary preservation of their co- 
 vers, composed of solid gold and silver, 
 and ornamented by colored stones, or 
 with regard to the number of illumi- 
 nations which illustrate them. No. 15. 
 and 16. are copies of the four Evan- 
 gelists in Latin, and of the XI. Cen- 
 tury. The remaining two are Sacra- 
 G 
 
46 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM* 
 
 mentalia, or Mass Books containing 
 the Services of the Catholic church, 
 and are of the XII. Century. AH on 
 Vellum. 
 
 38. A miniature Missal on Vellum, which 
 is perhaps the most beautiful specimen 
 of caligraphy and pictorial illustration 
 ever beheld. The miniatures and 
 borders are exquisitely finished in gold 
 and colors, and as it is supposed, by 
 the hands of Julio Clovio. It is of 
 the XV. Century. 
 
 209. 220. and 224. Superb copies of the 
 Code of Justinian, and the Decretals 
 of Popes Gregory IX. and Boniface 
 VIII. written on the finest Vellum, 
 and highly ornamented. They are of 
 the largest folio size, and of the XV. 
 Century. 
 
 263. and 264. The Iliad and Odyssey of 
 Homer, on Vellum. Very beautiful 
 MSS. collated by Maittaire, but being 
 of the XV, Century, do not afford any 
 
DESCRIPTrON OF IIOLKHAM. 
 
 47 
 
 remarkable instances of a more gen- 
 uine text. 
 
 308. A most splendid MS. of Virgil, in 
 two large folio volumes, writien on 
 Velhim, in the XV. Century, and 
 embellished by i!!u mi nations the size 
 of the MS. executed in the most ela- 
 borate and inimitable manner. 
 
 531. The Decameron of Boccacio, written 
 on velhim of the finest quality, and 
 illustrated by miniatures and illuminat- 
 ed initials, finished in the most delicate 
 manner, and of the XV, century. 
 
 667. An exceedingly curious MS. of the 
 time of Edward I. consisting of a 
 series of paintings illustrative of the 
 Old and New Testament. Many of 
 these singular efforts of the pencil are 
 executed with great spirit, and fidelity, 
 and represent the dresses, customs and 
 manners of the period very accurately. 
 
 658. and 659. In six volumes, folio. These 
 MSS, comprehend the Croniques des 
 
48 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 Contes d'Hainaiilt et de Flandres, and 
 are magnificently written, and orna- 
 mented with illuminated illustrations, 
 
 663. A remarkably fine copy of Cliancer's 
 Canterbury tales, on Vellum of the 
 XV. Century, 
 
 These few MSS. may suffice to give 
 some idea of the value and splendor of the 
 Holkham Collection. It is particularly 
 rich in the Greek Fathers, in the Latin 
 Classics (there are nearly a dozen copies of 
 Livy) in Italian Literature, and in works 
 on Jurisprudence both English and Fo- 
 reign, without mentioning some exceeding 
 rare copies of MSS. in French and Old 
 English, including Poetry, Heraldry, 
 Architecture, &c. &c. &c. 
 
 " Ex pede Herculem." 
 
 LIBRARY. 
 
 This spacious apartment, which occu- 
 pies the entire west front of the Family 
 Wino-, is fifty-four feet long and eighteen 
 feet >yide~The ceiling of this room is 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKIIAM, 49 
 
 richly gilt, and the chiiniiey-piece is of 
 siena marble — x4bove is an exceeding rare 
 and valuable piece of antique mosaic, re- 
 presenting, a combat between a Lion and 
 Leopardy purchased in Rome by Mr. Coke. 
 
 This noble room comprises a large col- 
 lection of Books in various languages, arts 
 and sciences; all arranged in light open 
 cases — There are also some choice books 
 of engravings — The dado contains port- 
 folios of valuable original drawings and 
 prints, by Raphael, Julio Romano, Fran- 
 cesco, Penni, Polidoro, Carraccis, Guido, 
 Dominichino, Guercino, Titian, Carlo 
 Maratti, and the Venetian and Flemish 
 schools — Also a valuable collection of 
 ceilings, pavements, vases, and urns, de- 
 signed and colored from the antique, by 
 Santo Bartoli. 
 
 Few private collections are equal in 
 value to these Libraries; yet they are not 
 the only ones in the mansion, nor do they 
 contain more than their proportion of rare 
 and curious books — The Holkham Library 
 
50 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 indeed is distinguished for its literary taste, 
 and the magnificence and extent of its 
 literary treasures. 
 
 LADY ANN COKE'S SITTING ROOM. 
 
 The Statuary marble chimney piece, 
 ceiling, sofas, chairs, tables, and two pier 
 glasses, are beautifully executed. 
 
 Over the chimney piece, milk girl, from 
 Gainsborough, painted by Lady Andover. 
 
 Madone and St. Francis, by Lavadone. 
 
 An altar piece, by Solimene. 
 
 A head of Christ, by F. Barocci. 
 
 A fine head of the Virgin Mary, by C. 
 Maratti. 
 
 Two pieces of Thistles and Poppies, 
 by a Flemish Master. 
 
 A full length portrait of the Earl of 
 Albemarle, by Shee. 
 
 A moon light piece, by Vanderneer. 
 
 A nest of Owls, painted by Lady Anson. 
 
 A copy of the Misers, by Mrs. Spencer 
 Stanhope, 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 51 
 
 The infant academy, a copy from Sir J. 
 Reynolds, by Lady Anson. 
 
 Four landscapes, by that excellent and 
 rare Flemish blaster, Livio Mens.* 
 
 A most rare and costly Jewel cabinet, 
 superbly carved in ivory and amber, on 
 the top is a figure of Orpheus charming the 
 beasts. 
 
 LADY ANN COKE'S BED CHAMBER. 
 
 Black and yellow Italian marble, mask 
 and drapery of Statuary. Ceiling' white 
 and gold. 
 
 The tapestry of this room is beautifully 
 executed by Vanderbank, from designs by 
 Albano, excepting the two door pieces, 
 Venus, Vulcan and Cupids, which have 
 been added. 
 
 A view of the palace, and place of St. 
 Mark, at Venice, by Canaletti. 
 
 The preparation for the Doge's wedding the sea upon 
 
 * Livio Mens was first a designer of small figures 
 with the pen, in the manner of Collot; but going to 
 Florence, and applying to painting by the advice of his 
 friend Stefano della Bella, who took him to Rome, he 
 became famous for landscapes. 
 
52 I>ESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 ascension-day, is exhibited on the fore part of the cnn- 
 Tas ; where are assembled a prodigious number of Gon- 
 dolas and Gondoliers, disposed in a variety of attitudes; 
 tog-ether with the g-rand vessel called the Bucentauro, 
 in which the Doge performs the ceremony; set oiF with 
 that g'aiety of coloring, for which the Venetian painters 
 have been ever remarkable. 
 
 A beautiful head, in an oval, of an Ita- 
 lian Girl, known by the name of the " Maid 
 of the Inn." In Crayons, by Rosalba.^*^ 
 
 Two fine pieces of fowls, by Imperiali. 
 
 LADY ANN COKE'S DRESSING ROOM. 
 
 The chimney piece of statuary and siena 
 marble. Ceiling white and gold. This 
 room contains a small library of some valu- 
 able editions of early french authors. 
 
 A waterfall, by Poussin. 
 
 Healing the lame in the temple, by 
 Carracci. 
 
 Joseph and his brethren, by Polidor 
 Carravagio. 
 
 Christ taken down from the cross, by 
 D. da Volterra. 
 
 * Rosalba, The crayon paintings of this highly gifted 
 female, are very celebrated. Her madonnas and other 
 sacred subjects rise from grace to dignity. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 53 
 
 Our Saviour and his disciples, by Ra- 
 phael. 
 
 Hermit, in a landscape, by Salvator 
 Rosa. 
 
 A pestilence, in bistre, by N. Poussin. 
 A holy family, by Barocci. 
 Birth of St. John, in bistre. 
 Two figures in do. 
 
 Three fine landscapes and figures, in 
 pen and bistre, by Claude. 
 
 A battle piece, by Bourgione. 
 
 Six miniatures, in gilt frame. 
 
 Seven do. in do. 
 
 Five do. in do. 
 
 Head of Christ, after Guido. 
 
 Assumption of the Virgin, on agate, by 
 Rotenhamer. 
 
 A diana, by Ignatius. 
 
 DRAWING ROOM. 
 
 This apartment is richly hung with 
 crimson embossed Genoa silk velvet, and 
 furnished magnificent — The ceiling is ele« 
 H 
 
54 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 gant, the cornice richly ornamented with 
 standing griffins superbly gilt — The chim- 
 neypiece is composed of the purest statuary 
 marble, adorned with fruit and flowers, 
 and supporting in the centre a beautiful 
 clock, and at each end a fine busto of the 
 late Duke of Bedford, and the Right Hon, 
 Charles James Fox, both by Nollekens. 
 
 The pictures hi this room are 
 
 Madonna in gloria* 
 
 She is staoding- upon a globe surrounded with An<y^e]s'. 
 an original, by Pietro de Fietri, pupil of Carlo Maratti. 
 The coloring" is much in the style of that Master's. It 
 was purchased of Agostino Masucci. 
 
 Two large bird pieces, by Hondikooter. 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. These pictures are emblematical re- 
 presentations of King- William's wars. Goose, England. 
 Cockatrice, France. Eagle, Austria. Stork, Holland. 
 Raven, Denmark. Serpent, Turkey. Brown £ag"le, 
 Russia. 
 
 Apollo flaying Marsias, by Claude Lor- 
 rain. 
 
 This is a noble landscape: a brig'ht Sunshine, and 
 considered by the best Judg-es, as one of the finest 
 works of that Master in tliis Country. 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. "Apollo was challeng-ed by 
 Marsias to a trial of skill on the flute, it was ag-reed by 
 the parties, tbet the conaueror should be at liberty to 
 flay the vanquished. The Gc i of Music bore away the 
 victory, and immediately flayed him for his temerity 
 and afterwards converted him into a river." 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 55 
 
 A storm, by Nicolo Poussin.'^ 
 
 This is the companion to Apollo, and is considered 
 as a most capital picture. It was purchased at the 
 Earl of Cholmondley's sale. 
 
 A full length portrait of Lady Ann Coke 
 and her eldest Son, by G. Ilayter. 
 
 A copy from the celebrated picture of 
 Belisarius, by Murillio, belonging to the 
 Duke of Devonshire, painted by Lady 
 Andover, at the age of fifreen. 
 
 Over the doors are four Fla;'^r Casts of Heads from 
 the Antique. 
 
 Faustina, wife of the Emperor Antoni- 
 nous, famous for her vices. 
 
 Pythagoras, a celebrated Philosopher. 
 
 Zeno^ the founder of the Stoic Philoso- 
 phy. 
 
 Carneades, a celebrated Philosopher, of 
 Cyrene in Africa. 
 
 The table which stands under the mirror, 
 is of Alabastro Palombaro, purchased at 
 Rome. 
 
 * Nicolo Potissin. This great master was born in Nor- 
 mandy, in 1594. His paintings are in great repute. 
 
56 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 SALOON. 
 
 This noble and spacious apartment, 
 (twenty-eight feet wide, and forty feet 
 long*) which communicates with the Hall, 
 is highly finished and richly decorated — It 
 is hung with crimson embossed Genoa 
 velvet which has a rich effect — The furni- 
 ture and mirrors are in a corresponding 
 style — It is impossible to conceive any 
 thing more superb than the lofty vaulted 
 ceiling (thirty-two feet high.) The two 
 chimney-pieces are of Sicilian marble, with 
 bas-reliefs in the tablets, and are admira- 
 bly executed. The left chimney-piece 
 supports a fine bust of Sir Francis Burdett. 
 The right, a fine bust of Mrs. Lambert. 
 The paintings in this room are well deserv^ 
 ing the attention of the connoisseur. 
 
 The return of the Holy Family, by 
 Rubens.* 
 
 The fig-ures in this celebrated picture are as large as 
 life, the head of Joseph is equal to any thing* of that 
 Master j the figure of the Child, the drapery of the 
 
 * Rubem. A few years after the decease of Raphael, 
 appeared another meteor within the horizon of the fine 
 arts. This was Rubens, whose paintings must always 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 57 
 
 Virgin, the truly picturesque head of tlie Ass, compos- 
 ing* the centre group, are all painted with admirable 
 force and brilliancy of coloring. 
 
 The portrait of Carlo Maratti's daughter, 
 A lady playing on a harpsichord, by C. 
 Maratti. 
 
 A full length portrait of Thomas William 
 Coke, Esq. by Gainsborough.^ 
 
 A full length portrait of the Right Hon. 
 Charles James Fox, by Opie.-f* 
 
 At the bottom oj^ the picture are these lines, 
 
 A patriot's even course he steerM 
 Mid' factions wildest storms unmov'd. 
 By all, who mark'd his mind, rever'd 
 By all, who knew his heart, belov'd 
 
 King William, III, by Gasper Kucther. 
 
 rank with those of his g-reat predecessor, and whose 
 fame must be equally notorious. He was born at 
 Antwerp, in 1577, and died there in 1640. 
 
 * Gainsborough, born in Suffolk in 1727, ranks hig^h 
 among" our Eng-lish artists, and when we consider him 
 as self-taug-ht, the excellence he arrived at, is truly 
 wonderful. He died in 1788. 
 
 f Opie. Another native artist, may be considered as 
 one of those highly talented individuals whose loss forms 
 a void in the fine arts of a country, not easily replaced. 
 His paintings are all much admired. He was the hus- 
 band of the pleasing" Authoress of that name. 
 
58 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 Portrait of the Duke d' Aremberg, by 
 Vandyke.^ 
 
 This noble picture, for its fine coloring-, drawing", and 
 high state of preservation, may challenge a competition 
 with any work of this Master extant. It formerly be- 
 longed to the grand Duke of Bavaria. 
 
 Lord Chief Justice Coke, by Cornelius 
 Jansens, 
 
 Over the centre door, is a large antique 
 marble busto of J^mo, the queen of the 
 Gods, and wife of Jupiter. This busto was 
 purchased at Rome. 
 
 There are two fine antique mosaic tables 
 in this room, found in the Villa Adriana 
 near Tivoli, and purchased of the Cardinal 
 Furietti, Also two Candelebras of exqui- 
 site workmanship, the urns are of old Chel- 
 sea china. 
 
 * Vandykcy was born at Antwerp in 1599, and studied 
 under Rubens. His paintings rose into high estimation, 
 and he introduced the use of a peculiar rich brown tint 
 which has been named after him, Vandyke brown. It 
 will be found beautifully employed in the painting before 
 us, which is considered one of his best. He resided for 
 some years in this country, where he obtained the honour 
 of knighthood, and where he died in 1641. He is buried 
 iu St, Paurs cathedral. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 59 
 
 SOUTH DINING ROOM. 
 
 This magnificent apartment conrimands 
 the most charming scenery — The room is 
 hung with rich crimson embossed Genoa 
 velvet, and gilding of corresponding splen- 
 dor — The ceiling is superbly ornamented, 
 the cornice in particular with vine branches, 
 leaves, and bunches of grapes, exceeding 
 rich and beautiful The chimney-piece is of 
 a delicate veined marble, peculiarly hand- 
 some, the tablet a brilliant blue, which has 
 a delightful effect, the whole is exquisitely 
 finished, over it are placed the busts of the 
 Right Hon. William Windham, and the 
 Marquis Hastings, both by Nollekens. 
 
 The Paintings in this room are, 
 
 Portrait of Leo the X, with the Car- 
 dinals, Guilio de Medici, his cousin on his 
 right hand, and his nephew the Cardinal 
 de Rossi, who was afterwards Clement VII. 
 on his left, by Raphael.*" 
 
 Purchased by the present possessor from the collection 
 of W. Roscoe Esq. the celebrated Author of Leo the 
 X. and Lorenzo de Medici. 
 
 * Raphael^ "the divine Raphael," the pride of Italy 
 the genius of painting", was born at Urbino, in 1483 
 
60 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 A naked Venus, by Titian.'^J^ 
 
 She is reclining" with a flute in her hand and a viol de 
 g-ambo standing' by her. Cupid is crowning her with 
 flowers. A man playing on a guitar, sits at her feet. 
 These are the portraits of Phillip the II. of Spain, and 
 ihe Princess D'Obilo, his mistress. This picture was 
 purchased out of Prince Pio's collection at Rome, arid 
 is an original in Titian's last manner. 
 
 A landscape, evening, in the foreground 
 is the portrait of the painter, in the act of 
 drawing, by Claude Lorrain. 
 
 Sir Lionel Talniash, by Sir Peter Lely. 
 
 The first Duke of Richmond, by Van- 
 dyke. 
 
 A portrait of Waller the poet, by Sir 
 Peter Lely. 
 
 His studies were pursued under Pietro Perugino, and 
 the cartoons of Michael Augelo were copied with avidi- 
 ty, by his powerful pencil. To attempt a panegyrie of 
 one who is so well known, would be useless. He died 
 in 1520, at Rome. 
 
 "No! when the timid pray^* for heaven's grace 
 Shall warm it's zeal no more, at the sweet face 
 Of thy Madonnas ; nor the patient tear 
 Shall fall before thy Magdalen, with less fear ; 
 When never more a saint's pure brow shall speak 
 Hope to the trembling, — mercy to the weak ; 
 When the last hue is from thy canvass fled, 
 Their memory past, — then, Raphael, thou art dead !" 
 
 * Titian was cotemporary with Raphael, and rose to 
 g-reat eminence in his art. He flourished between the 
 years 1480, 1576. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 61 
 
 A portrait of Julius II. by Porneraiicio. 
 Joseph and his Mistress, by Guido.'5{^ 
 
 In this picture the fig-ures are as larg-e as life, this is 
 ill Guide's first manner, the folds of the drapery, which 
 are remarkable for their fine taste; the attiiudes of the 
 figures, and the airs of the heads, are conceived with 
 inimitable g-usto. This picture was held in hig-h esti- 
 mation, when it made part of the Costag-uta, from whence 
 it was purchased. 
 
 A Venetian Lady, being the portrait of 
 Titian's 3Iistress, painted by himself. 
 
 Susanna and the Elders. Copied from 
 a celebrated picture of Guido, in the col- 
 lection of Viscount Anson, painted by Vis- 
 countess Andover. 
 
 A landscape, by Nicolo Poussin. 
 
 The subject, a storm, with gleams of lig-htning* strik- 
 ing upon a tower. 
 
 Over the doors are the folloiving busts. 
 
 Pope. Ptolomy. 
 Scipio. Possidonius. 
 
 Under the mirror, a fine slab of siena marble. 
 
 * Guido. The pencil of this celebrated artist has al- 
 most become proverbial in expressing- g-race, hesMij, 
 brilliancy, and judgment, for these characterize his 
 style. The picture before us amply confirms this. He 
 wa§ born at Bolog-na, in 1575. 
 
 I 
 
62 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 LANDSCAPE ROOM. 
 
 The ceiling and chimney-piece are both 
 neatly executed — This room is also hung* 
 with rich crimson embossed Genoa velvet, 
 and the paintings are some of the most su- 
 perb in any collection, particularly those 
 of Claude Lorrain's of whose works there 
 is an unrivalled assemblage in Holkham. 
 
 Over the chimney, is a fine landscape, 
 and figures, by Claude Lorrainr^ 
 
 Above, a landscape by N. Poussin. 
 
 On each side, a landscape, by Horizonti. 
 
 Below are two landscapes, in excellent 
 preservation, by Caspar Poussin*^ 
 
 In the upper tier, over the door from the 
 dining room, a fine Salvator Rosa. 
 
 * Claude Lorrain, perhaps the finest landscape pain- 
 ter that ever lived, was born in 1600, and died in 1682. 
 The g-reat beauty, and vivid richness of his design* 
 render them inestimable. Several of his original paint- 
 ings adorn this room. 
 
 'f- Gaspar Poussin. The real name of this artist ap- 
 pears to have been Dughety but he assumed the surname 
 of Poussin from his sister having married the great 
 ^Nicholas Poussin. The landscapes of Gaspar are thought 
 some, superior to those of his br^th^r-in-law. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 63 
 
 On each side a fine landscape, by Lu- 
 catelli. They are much superior to the 
 Horizontis in this room. 
 
 In the middle tier, over the door, the 
 famous landscape of Dominichino, former- 
 ly in the Barberini Palace. 
 
 The «5ubject of this piece is Abraham preparing*' to sa- 
 crifice his Sou Isaac. The fine desig^ii of the fig-ures and 
 landscape (takea from t'ls banks of the Tiber, near PoLite 
 Mollejthe extreme rarity of Dominichino's works in this 
 kind, who, with G u n jiiioand some others of the C;trac- 
 ci's school, derived an excellent Gusto of landscape from 
 their master Aimibal; are cbarms to the adepts in paint- 
 ing', that have rendered this picture one of the most 
 celebrated of that master. 
 
 On the left of the above, a very fine land- 
 scape, of Si. John baptising our Saviour, 
 by Francesco Bolognese. 
 
 Its companion, a capital landscape, by 
 Caspar Poussin, This composition is dis- 
 tinguished by a group of ruins^ raised on 
 an eminence near the centre of the picture. 
 
 In the lower tier on each side the door, 
 is a landscape, finely composed, and in 
 excellent preservation, by G. Poussin. 
 
 The opposite side the room, in the upper 
 tier; are two fine pieces^ the one a Sea 
 
64 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 piece, the other a landscape, by Mons. 
 Vernet. They were purchased of Signer 
 Amerani, the Pope's Medallist. 
 
 The pair of landscapes below, are both 
 by the hand of Claude Lorrain. 
 
 That which represents the Sun rising* behind a cloud, 
 reflected in a lar^e extent of Sea, is particularly fine : 
 the stupendous pierced rock, through which is seen a 
 continued chain of caverns stretching- a'ong the Sea shore 
 gives the composition a romantic air. 
 
 Its companion, a setting sun, in which representation 
 Claude is allowed to have excelled all other painters. 
 
 In the lower tier, are both by the same master. 
 
 Apollo in his exiled state, attending the 
 Castle of Admetus. 
 
 A Sea view, not much unlike the bay of 
 Naples seen from the port: upon the fore 
 ground is a figure sitting, probably Claude 
 himself, in the attitude of sketching the 
 ruins of an ancient portico. 
 
 These two beautiful pictures of Claude, that have 
 hitherto escaped the injuries of time with unfaded lus- 
 tre, hung in Cardinal Alexander Albani's bed chamber, 
 and were purchased of his eminence. 
 
 Over the door a bright agreeable land* 
 scape, figures and cattle. 
 
 Above, a large landscape. The subject 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM* 
 
 C5 
 
 is taken out of Tasso. — " Ermeiiia in dis- 
 course with the old man and his two sons/' 
 These are both by Claude Lorrain. 
 
 CORRIDOR. 
 
 In the corridor leading from the land- 
 scape room to the Chapel, is a large pic- 
 lure of the Elysian Fields, by Conca.* 
 
 This picture was painted for the Earl of Leicester, at 
 Rome. It is a large piece full of figures, amongst which 
 his Lordship is represented in the character of Orpheus. 
 
 CHAPEL. 
 
 From this corridor we enter the Chapel 
 which is situated in the east or Chapel 
 wing of the Mansion. The coup d^oeil on 
 entering is extremely grand, and the im- 
 pression such as corresponds with the place. 
 The style of painting, and the degree 
 of light, are both peculiarly happy: the 
 large compartments of sober grey are finely- 
 relieved by the surrounding white; and the 
 shade of foliage that partially darkens the 
 windows, diffuses an air of composed so- 
 
 * Concay pupil of Solimene. He was greatly caress- 
 ed by all potentates, and Clement the 11th. made him 
 a cavalier e. His imagination was fertile, pencil rapid, 
 and colors brilliant. 
 
66 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM, 
 
 lemnity, unmixed with gloomy unaccom- 
 panied with melancholy. 
 
 The columns which support the gallery, 
 are of Staffordshire marble, and the base- 
 ment round the Chapel of the same mate- 
 rial. The screen of the gallery is of cedar 
 wood, inlaid with ornaments carved in lime 
 tree. 
 
 The altar-piece represents the assump- 
 tion of the Virgin, a masterly performance 
 by the admirable Guido Reni. 
 
 Two whole length figures of Santa Ceci- 
 lia and St. Anne, by Cipriani. 
 
 Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael, by Andrea 
 Sacchi, from the Barberini collection. 
 
 The angel appearing to Joseph, by Lan- 
 franco. 
 
 Rebecca at the well, by Benedetto Luti, 
 
 In the family seat, over a neat small chimney-piece^ 
 composed of Staffordshire marble, is 
 
 A full length portrait of the Bishop of 
 Norwich, by Shee. 
 
BESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 67 
 
 STATE BED CHAMBER. 
 
 Ceiling white and gold. The chimney- 
 piece is of siena marble, the tablet represent 
 Thermes with heads of the younger Em- 
 press Faustina in Statuary marble, and 
 supporting- on the top a fine antique medal- 
 lion of Julius Ccesar, in bas-relief. 
 
 The furniture and hangings of the bed 
 are rich flowered Genoa velvet of three 
 colors: adorned with Earls' coronets and 
 pine apples. 
 
 The tapestry represent Europe, Asia, 
 Africa and America. On each side the 
 bed, are two small pieces. Sleep and Vi- 
 gilance — Over the door are the four seasons, 
 the whole admirably executed by Zucca- 
 relli. 
 
 Over the chimney-piece, a well executed 
 picture of Jupiter caressing Juno. The 
 subject from Homer, by Gavin Hamilton.^ 
 
 * Gavin Hamilton. He was born at Lanark in Scot- 
 land. He was sent to Italy where he dilig-ently studied 
 the antique, and acquired a fine classical style of com- 
 position. 
 
68 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM* 
 
 STATE BED CHAMBER CLOSET. 
 
 This room is hung* with green satin. 
 The chimney-piece is composed of antique 
 pavonazzo, Derbyshire black marble, and 
 white alabaster, Ceilinsf white and ofold. 
 
 Over the chimney-piece, is Polyphemus 
 and Galatea, painted in Fresco upon an 
 antique tile, by Annibal Caracci. 
 
 Polyphemus is represented sitting" on a rock by the sea 
 side, in an attitude as if sounding his Sampogna ; the 
 music of which he suspends, to behold his beloved Ga- 
 latea, who passes by him attended by Nereids, in a 
 shell drawn by dolphins : her veil streaming* to the wind, 
 forms over her head a bow in the air, that g-racefuUy 
 fills up a void in the composition. This admirable pic- 
 ture of Annibal Caracci, who exceeded all other paint- 
 ers in that kind of imag-ery; was purchased out of the 
 Barberini collection, of which, it made one of its most 
 celebrated ornaments. 
 
 A very fine piece of Macaws and Par- 
 rots, by Rubens. 
 
 A design for an altar piece. A design 
 for a ceiling. And an altar piece, by Se- 
 bastian Conca. 
 
 ♦ Annibal Caracci. The Caracci constituted a pecu- 
 liar school of painting-, in which many first rate suc- 
 ceeding artists studied. There were four of this namej 
 the academy bein^ formed by Lewis Caracci. Annibal 
 died in 1609. 
 
DESCRIPTION Of HOLKHAM. 
 
 A view of Vigiiola's Palace at Caprarola. 
 — A view of Rome from the Banks of the 
 Tiber. — A view in Venice. — And a view 
 of the bay of Naples, with the castle of St. 
 Elmo, by Gaspar Occhiali. 
 
 A small whole length portrait of Villi- 
 ers Duke of Buckingham, by Vandyke. 
 
 The marriage of Psyche, and banquet 
 of the Gods, two small paintings in water 
 colors, from Raphael, by Ignatius. 
 
 A landscape, in water colors, from Ru- 
 bens. — A copy of his Majesty's fine Claude 
 Lorrain. — A ditto from N. Poussin, with 
 the story of Pyramis and Thisbe. — And a 
 landscape from Dominichino, our Saviour 
 at the lake of Genesaret, by Goupy. 
 
 A small Holy Family, in an oval, by 
 Albano. 
 
 Continence of Scipio, from Pietro da 
 Cortona. 
 
 Antony and Cleopatra, a drawing in wa- 
 fer colors. 
 
 K 
 
70 DESCRIPtrON OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 Cupids with flowers, by Pliilipo Laura, 
 A small painting of Cupids. 
 
 NORTH STATE CLOSET. 
 
 The chimney piece is composed of an 
 antique marble, called, Setti Basi, Italian 
 red, and Derbyshire white marble. Ceil- 
 ing white and gold. 
 
 A cupid, by Gnido. 
 
 He is lioldiiig the point cf an arrotv to the bill of a 
 dove, hovering above his bead ; another Cupid is seen 
 flviog in the distance, over the elements of earth and 
 water-, emblematical of the universal power given by 
 the poets to that deity. 
 
 A large landscape, in the manner of 
 Francesco Bolognese, by Bartolomeo. 
 
 The Doge's palace, the Procuriatia Nuo- 
 va, the Mint, the Jesuits' College, and the 
 Church of the salute. — The famous one of 
 the Bridge and Castle of St. Angelo, the 
 front of St. Peters Church, and part of the 
 Vatican palace, the most magnificent group 
 of buildings in Italy.~A front view of St, 
 Peter's Church, its Obelisk^ Fountain, cir- 
 cular Colonnades, and of the Vatican 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKIIAM. 
 
 71 
 
 palace, — A view of the Coliseum, and arch 
 of Constantiiie.— And a prospect of the 
 canal at Milan, by Caspar Occhiali.^ 
 
 Battle piece, by Woiiwerman, 
 
 A view of the Rialto at Venice — And 
 Cornaro, or the grand canal, by Canaletti. 
 
 A portrait of Rubens' daughter, by 
 Rubens. 
 
 Two Landscapes, by Caspar Poussin, 
 
 NORTH STATE BED CHAMBER. 
 
 This room is commodioiisly situated in 
 the north front. The ceiling richly gilf. 
 The chimney-piece of Fior di Persica, and 
 antique marble, is decorated with instru- 
 ments of the roman sacrifice; the tablet re- 
 present the birth of the poet Lucan. The 
 bed is hung with brown silk velvet, richly 
 lined with yellow silk, profusely gilt, and a- 
 dorned with Prince of Wales' feathers. The 
 
 * Occhiali. The justness of his perspective views, and 
 the fine g'low of his Flemish colorin;^ are excellent, per- 
 biips not to be jiijet with iu the work of any other painter. 
 
72 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 tapestry represent the various productions 
 of the months, caused by the sun's annual 
 progress through the signs of the zodiac. 
 Pisces is represented under the form of a 
 winged genius, bearing two fine pike, be- 
 low his feet are fisherman's nets, boys sport- 
 ing with a large codfish; and above are 
 festoons, composed of all the variety of fish 
 that are to be found in the northern regions. 
 The dead game, fruit, flowers, and ani- 
 mals, are deserving attention, the whole is 
 truly excellent both for design and work- 
 manship. 
 
 Over the chimney, a dark but fine whole 
 length portrait of D. Rizzio playing on a 
 violincello, by Mola. 
 
 A whole length portrait of Henry Rich, 
 Earl of Warwick, by Vandyke. 
 
 NORTH STATE DRESSING ROOM. 
 
 Ceiling white and gold. Chimney-piece 
 of veined marble. 
 
 A whole length portrait of Nell Gwynn, 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 73 
 
 Dutchess of Richmond, mistress to Charles 
 the II. 
 
 The deluge, by Carlaridrucci, a pupil 
 of C. Muratti. 
 
 St. George, Santa Saba, and the Dra- 
 gon. 
 
 This picture was painted for a companion to the fore- 
 going' by Van Lint, called Studio. 
 
 A landscape, by Annibal Caracci. 
 
 A beautiful small landscape and figures, 
 by Claude Lorrain, and in fine preserva- 
 tion. Purchased at Rome. 
 
 A fine head of an Evangelist, holding a 
 book, by Guido. 
 
 The Holy Family, with two Saints. 
 Purchased of Mr. Roscoe, by Lovini. 
 
 Mary Magdalen doing penance in the 
 desert, by Parmegiano. 
 
 This is a graceful small whole length figure, highly 
 ^nished. The air of the head very devout, three cheru- 
 bims group with the crown of glory to which her eyes 
 are directed. Her drapery, in the style of an antique 
 statue, is exquisitely designed, and well colored. 
 
74 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 Mary Magdalen anointing the feet of 
 Christ, by Paul Veronese. 
 
 The painter of this piece, is sitting between his grey- 
 bounds, which he frequently introduced into his pic- 
 tures. He is discoursing- with a man in a red garment ; 
 two boys are sitting on the floor under the portico, a 
 man, with his back turned to the spectators, seems to 
 be driving out some persons that are entering : a droll 
 fiice in a pink colored head dress appear over his should- 
 er. Figures in Jewish habits are viewing the ceremony 
 from the balcony of the portico. This picture was pur- 
 chased from the Barberini collection. The bearded 
 figure in black, is supposed to be the portrait of Titian. 
 
 Head of Christ, by Leonardi da Vinci. 
 
 A picture not excelled by any production of that 
 Blaster, the character is full of dignity and feeling, and 
 never fails to strike the spectator with awe and admira- 
 Mon. Purchased at Mr. Roscoe's Sale, by the present 
 possessor. 
 
 Christ fallen under the cross, the Virgin 
 Mother weeping, and Santa Veronica pre* 
 senting the holy handkerchief, by Giacorao 
 Bassano. 
 
 This is a very bright picture, painted with great force 
 and brilliancy of coloring: and is one of the best of this 
 master. 
 
 The adoration of the Magi, by Cavalier 
 Calabrese. 
 
 This is a large composition, and is the centre pic- 
 ture on that side of the room. Purchased from the 
 Barberini collection. This painter who was what the 
 Italians style a machinista, or grand composer, excelkd 
 also in the knowledge of the Chiaro Obsciiro. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM, 
 
 75 
 
 Madonna and Infant Christ. An un- 
 doubted Originalj of Raphael D' Urbino, 
 
 The Virgin is a three quarter figure, nearly the size 
 of life; the child Jesus sitting- on her knees, regards his 
 Holy Mother with a look of ineffable sweetness, mixed 
 with rapture, for which expressions Raphael above all 
 other great masters, merited the appellation so oftea 
 given him by the Italian writers, of 11 divino ; since he 
 only, could express, joined to gracefulness and dignity 
 of character, those exalted affections of the mind. This 
 picture, which is painted upon board, was brought into 
 England by the Cavalier Casali, of whom the Earl of 
 Leicester obtained it. From the tints of the Chiaro Ob- 
 scuro, it is evident that Raphael painted it at the time 
 when he imitated Leonardi da Vinci, and the Florentine 
 manner ; but the airs and ideas of the heads, particts- 
 larly that of the Christ, are far superior to any ever 
 imagined by that school. The robe of the Virgin is 
 striped, like that of the Madonna della Seggia in the 
 Palazzo Pitti. 
 
 The Holy Family, purchased from Mr. 
 Roscoe's collection, by D. Ghirlandaio* 
 
 The Virgin and Infant Christ, St. John, 
 and Joseph. 
 
 This is an old copy after Raphael, from the Barber ini 
 palace: the original is in the Duke of Tuscany's collec- 
 tion. 
 
 Poultry, by Hendikooter. 
 Fruit and flowers. 
 
 A whole length portrait of Mrs. Newton, 
 Grandmother to the Earl of Leicester. 
 
76 
 
 1>ES0RTPTT0N OF HOLKHAM^ 
 
 At the bottom of the room, on a pedestal, 
 is an exquisite small drapery figure of an 
 Isis, with a cornucopia, restored by Cava- 
 ceppi: the marble of which is supposed to 
 be the Parian, is remarkably transparent* 
 It was purchased at Rome; 
 
 From the noble window, is an elysian 
 prospect of the lake, and the pendent 
 groves on the opposite hill — Indeed every 
 apartment has its appropriate beauties^ 
 both internal and external: the eye of taste 
 will recognise many which the brevity of 
 our plan prevented us from noting; to the 
 more cursory observer this description will 
 prove an useful monitor— One striking or- 
 nament, however, we have neglected : the 
 Mahogany Doors throughout this whole 
 suite are splendidly finished, and are wor- 
 thy of the apartments to which they conduct. 
 
 From this stately suite of rooms, where 
 the profusion of splendid objects are apt to 
 dazzle the organs of sight, the eye is both 
 charmed and relieved on re-entering the 
 Egyptian Hall, 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 77 
 
 GARDENS. 
 
 The gardens or pleasure grounds, are 
 extensive. Those on the east of the Man- 
 sion are tastefully laid out. To the west of 
 the Mansion, a plain gravel walk conducts 
 us to the pleasure grounds leading to Lady 
 Anne Coke's 
 
 FLOWER GARDEN. 
 
 In our progress, the trees form an ein« 
 bowering shade. This wilderness of sweets 
 occupies nearly five acres. The outline is 
 elegant; the execution charming; the ac- 
 companiments are judicious. Here a thou- 
 sand beauties, originating from design ap- 
 pear fortuitous to the eye. The intersecting 
 walks generally retire from the sight, but 
 never wanting for necessary communication ; 
 they conduct to the principal subordinate 
 scenes; they occupy the happiest spaces. 
 By following their direction, we are sure 
 L 
 
78 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 of meeting with some object to amuse us in 
 our progress; some beauty is disclosed 
 which would otherwise be lost; or scenes 
 are thrown into perspective, or heightened 
 by contrast, in a manner different from 
 what we observed before. The occasional 
 recurrence also of the garden chair, the 
 plain bench, or the circular seat round the 
 trunk of some umbrageous tree, by pre- 
 senting opportunities for rest, prevent the 
 idea of lassitude. But these are not simply 
 objects of ornament or convenience; they 
 generally point out scenes which repose 
 may contemplate with delight, and fancy 
 combine into picture. The Conservatory 
 which is erected on the north side of this 
 garden, is a beautiful building, and well 
 supplied with exotic and other choice plants* 
 Taking the path to the v^^est, we are em- 
 bossomed in trees for a few paces, but, the 
 scene soon changes, and we are conducted 
 through a fine open walk to the Vinery^ 
 which perhaps is the finest in England, and 
 well deserving the attention of Strangers. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM, 7B 
 
 KITCHEN GARDENS. 
 
 There are different entrances to these 
 gardens, but to proceed in the regular tour^ 
 we take the gate opposite the Vinery — ' 
 These gardens occupy an area of eight 
 acres, and are furnished with every article 
 of culinary use, or of elegance in the des- 
 sert, and replete with every requisite ap- 
 pendage for bringing it to perfection. The 
 walls are fourteen feet high, and upwards 
 of fourteen hundred yards in length, and 
 are clothed with the choicest fruit treeso 
 In the middle square are two Mulberry 
 Trees, which, as they are so generally ad- 
 mired, may be here mentionedo — The ex- 
 tent is about thirty yards each treCj in a 
 fine and healthy state. The Hot Houses 
 are constructed on an excellent principle, 
 and produce the finest pines and grapes. 
 Art here amply supplies the want of a 
 warmer sky. 
 
 LAKE„ 
 
 This extensive Lake, which has under- 
 gone great improvcaienr, covers the whole 
 
80 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM, 
 
 extent of a spacious valley, and affording 
 the most profuse variety of picturesque fea-» 
 tures in the sublime, the beautiful, and the 
 tranquil. It is indisputably the most su- 
 perb piece of artificial water in this king- 
 dom. A gravel walk on the right follows 
 the direction of the Lake; this walk is 
 bounded on one side by a belt of thick 
 plantations; on the other a few scattered 
 trees range with the water. On the whole 
 —the water at Holkham, in size, form and 
 style, is equal to the majesty of the scene; 
 and is designed in the spirit, is executed 
 with the liberality of the possessor. 
 
 PARK. 
 
 The Park which under the auspices of 
 tlie present possessor has received every 
 possible improvement, 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM* 81 
 
 PlaimM by his taste, and planted by his hand> 
 
 is one continued galaxy of charming pros- 
 pects, and agreeably diversified scenes* 
 Its circumference is upwards of ten miles; 
 its area about three thousand, five hundred 
 acres, round which are the most enchanting 
 rides, chiefly shaded towards the boundary 
 with a deep belt of various trees, ever- 
 greens, and deciduous shrubs, whose min- 
 gled foliage exhibit the different gradations 
 of tints of the season, while plantations of 
 corresponding figure and growth on the 
 park side, sometimes range with the for- 
 mer, and sometimes breaking into groups, 
 with large interstices between, relieve the 
 toedium of continued uniformity, and open 
 the most brilliant prospects. In the inter- 
 nal part, new improvements are continually 
 adopting, and new plantations rising, where- 
 ever they can contribute to the beauty or 
 the luxuriance of the scene. To remune- 
 rate every beauty conspicuous in the Park 
 would be to delineate all that is charming 
 111 natmal objects; aud in some instances 
 
S2 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM*, 
 
 would occasion a repetition of circumstan* 
 ees already remarked. Let it however be 
 observed, that at Holkham the ferme ornee 
 is combined with the magnificent Park. 
 In one qutirter, the eye is delighted with 
 the sight of waving corn, in another with 
 green paddocks that invite the scythe: and 
 t>uil dings dedicated to agricultural pur- 
 poses, or raised for the accommodation of 
 necessary officers. Flocks of sheep, and 
 sometimes animals native and foreign graze 
 in social peacCo All is a picture of rural 
 life in its most agreeable colors, in its hap- 
 piest avocations: it presents cheerful activi- 
 ty, or tranquil repose. Arcadian scenes 
 divested of fable, and real wealth without 
 glilter! 
 
 Among the many captivating views which 
 every spectator of taste will recognise in 
 the tour of the Park, those from the Tri^ 
 umphant Arch, the Obelisk and the East 
 Lodge may be particularized. From the 
 Triumphant Arch and tlie high grounds of 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 83 
 
 the Parkj are fine views of Burnhams and 
 the adjoining Country, with a distant pros« 
 pect of the Lincolnshire coast. The east 
 lodge is a simple but elegant building by 
 Wyatt; from hence is an extensive view of 
 the plantations and highly cultivated 
 grounds of the Park, with a prospect of 
 the Sea. The Church is delightfully situa- 
 ted to the north of the Park, the site ef 
 which is evidently an ancient tumulose or 
 barrow; there is also another of this des- 
 cription near the Kitchen gardens sind 
 which is very extensive. From the tower of 
 the Church is a fine prospect of the Seaj 
 the Town and Harbour of Wells, with a 
 distant view of Blakeney, and a long ex* 
 tent of Country to the east. 
 
 Viewed from the Obelisk or pillai', the 
 Mansion, the extensive Lake, and the Sea^ 
 are seen in their best perspective, and the 
 idea of grandeur they excite will convert 
 admiration into rapture. Indeed the Lake 
 from this situation appears to be only sepa«r 
 
84 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF HOLKttAMo 
 
 rated from the sea by the wood which inter^ 
 venes. This Obelisk, the first work erect« 
 ed on this estate, was completed in 172[>. 
 A little to the west of this pillar, is the 
 Temple^ This structure is adorned with a 
 fine portico of the doric order, of excellent 
 workmanship. It emerges from a thicket, 
 which backs it and determines its site, and 
 without imposing the idea of solitude, ren^ 
 ders it sufficiently sequestered. 
 
 There are nine entrances or Lodges to 
 the Park, but the grand and principal ap» 
 proach to the House, is by the Triumphant 
 Jlrch^^ on the Fakenham road. This road 
 has been greatly improved, considerable 
 plantations have been made under the super- 
 intendance of Mr. Blaikie, and which gives 
 great effect to Holkham from the South. 
 
 Among the ornaments however at Holk- 
 ham, whether viewed in a moral or an 
 architectural light, may be reckoned the 
 neat buildings of the Cottages and Alms- 
 houses. 
 
 ^ St;e the wrapper, 
 
DESCRIPTION OF HOLKHAM. 
 
 84 
 
 ^Here the poor are cloath'd, the hungTy fed, 
 Health to himself, and to his children bred 
 The labourer bears. 
 
 Power, ricbes, and grandeur are little 
 to be envied, except wbere they are exert- 
 ed to promote tbe less fortunate meritori- 
 ous, and to relieve tbe distressed. It is 
 the exercise of tbose qualities alone tbat 
 can render tbem amiable in tbe eyes of 
 otbers, or a real pleasure to tbeir possessors. 
 May tbis example of beneficence serve as 
 an incentive to otbers! 
 
 O may fair science in her precincts smile, 
 And shed new lustre o'er this happy isle : 
 To guard the laws, religion's flame maintain. 
 Still may worth issue from her fost'ring" reig^n. 
 
 Fims. 
 
 WELLS: 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. NEVILLE. 
 
9 t-b(?l44 
 
GETTY CENTER LIBRARY 
 
 3 3125 00593 6816 
 
 The Bedford Bookshop 
 
 2a Hand Court 
 Holborn, London, W.C. 
 
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