La Napoli di Goethe
Abstract
In 1787 Goethe spent about 50 days in Naples where he visited the
Vesuvius several times, as well as mineral and botanical inquiries, archaeological sites, museums and collections. In the Parthenopean city
he associated with Filangieri – the most important Italian
Enlightenment thinker – and different Neapolitan aristocrats, as well
as Sir Hamilton – the British ambassador – and the charming Emma
Harte, who later became Lady Hamilton. At the same time, he had the opportunity to observe the «lazzari», the common people, about whom he wrote exemplary pages, careful and sympathetic at once. In that short period Goethe «Neapolitanised» himself and learnt to love that sweet idleness although he could perceive its inner risks. He became aware of the social and natural contradictions of the city, constantly threatened by the close active Vesuvius which also symbolised a precarious situation on the eve of the Jacobin revolution. Naples is moreover present in a short novel of Mozartian flavour within Goethe‘s collection Unterhaltungen deutscher Ausgewanderten.
Vesuvius several times, as well as mineral and botanical inquiries, archaeological sites, museums and collections. In the Parthenopean city
he associated with Filangieri – the most important Italian
Enlightenment thinker – and different Neapolitan aristocrats, as well
as Sir Hamilton – the British ambassador – and the charming Emma
Harte, who later became Lady Hamilton. At the same time, he had the opportunity to observe the «lazzari», the common people, about whom he wrote exemplary pages, careful and sympathetic at once. In that short period Goethe «Neapolitanised» himself and learnt to love that sweet idleness although he could perceive its inner risks. He became aware of the social and natural contradictions of the city, constantly threatened by the close active Vesuvius which also symbolised a precarious situation on the eve of the Jacobin revolution. Naples is moreover present in a short novel of Mozartian flavour within Goethe‘s collection Unterhaltungen deutscher Ausgewanderten.
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