JOTTINGS FROM A TRAVELLER’S JOURNAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1251, 12 May 1884, Page 2

JOTTINGS FROM A TRAVELLER’S JOURNAL.

[SPECI ILLY WRITTEN FOR “ THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.”] xxix. The Oldest Church in Roms—A. Beautiful M .saio — A Bad Portrait—Palazzo Barberini —A Sculptured Lion

My next excursion was to the Church of St. Pudeatiana, reported to be—as to its foundation —the most ancient of all the religious edifices in Rome. The present building is of comparatively modern date, having been altered at various times. Cardinal Wiseman, of English notoriety, was the titular pred 'ent of this Church. It stands on the site of the house os Pudens, iqentiqned by St. Bayl in hif epistles, and is reached by descending a flight of steps. The door is graced by antique spiral columns, and reliefs of curious workmanship, and above are frescoes representing Peter, Pudens, Pudentiana, and Praxeles The graceful campanile is the most striking external feature of the building. Ninety-six years after the crucifixion of our Lord, Pudens is said to have founded an oratory in hi* house; remains still exist beneath the church ; they were brought to light by excavations as recently as 1865. In the tribune is a beautiful piece of Mosaic work. The Saviour is represented eated on a throne with one arm extended. In the other hand he holds a book, on the open page of which is inscribed ‘‘Conserrator Ecoleshe Pudentiance ” Behind are the Saints Praxeles aid Pudentiana crowned with laurel ; and on a lower level St. Peter and St Paul, with other male figures, probably intended for Apostles or disciples. They all wear the Roman toga In the left aisle is a well, at the bottom of which, I was told, the remains of the martyrs are still reposing. The chapel of St Peter closes the aisle, in which is an inscription, “ Bane Merenti Corneiite Pudenziame ” in memory of a member of the family of Pudens. Some artist of the time has attempted to hand down to posterity a likeness of the lady Cornelia referred to. But it is evident from this specimen of his powers, that he was not a •Sir Joshua Keynolds ; and I think Cornelia would not be satisfied with her portrait if aha could rise and see it. The sisters Praxeles and p rudentianla seem to I have been very zealous devotees ; collecting the blood of martyrs seems to have been a favorite occupation; under the altar a sponge is preserved, which is said to have been the identical instrument they used for the purpose of soaking up the precious gore. There is also a has relief, finely executed, representing Peter receiving the keys from the Saviour. Opening out from the aisle is the chapel of the Caetani family, with many beautiful marble tomb*. The altar piece is the adoration of the Magi in bas relief. The roof is of mosaic work, representing the four Evangelists, and over the door tbe sisters Praxeles and Prudentiana-ars'seen in the I act of collecting the blood of those who | were faithful unto death

As a wind up to the day’s exploration, I wont to the Palazzo Barbarini, which stands on the left of the Via delle Quattro Pontaue. Jt was built by the architect C*rlo Maderno, employe 1 by Urban YIII, and is, f think, the finest specimen of jts knl to lie found in Rome, It indicates the splendid style in w%!«h

the noble families of ; mediaeval times were accustomed to live. The palace is of vast extent, and if the houses near it could be removed and the grand iron railing that screens the entrance from the street could be continued all round, it would be a most imposing pile. On the grand staircase there is a lion in high relief. It is said that the celebrated sculptor Oanova was so enraptured with this work of art that he went frequently to the palace and would lie for hours upon the msrble pavement studying the symmetry and beauty of this representation of the king of beasts. The family crest of the Barberini was a bee, and Urban has handed down a carton* intimation of his estimate of the power and importance of the family. In one of the rooms the sun itself is represented as eclipsed by a swarm of bees. (To be continued.)