Campbell, Elizabeth (1783 – 1861) – Italy; Lazio, ‘Segni’

EXTRACT FROM THE ARTIST'S JOURNAL: "Segni, the ancient Signia, situated on the line of Volscian Mountains. Up the steep to my right I toiled to reach the ancient walls still far above me; I was not followed by above two of my attendants, the task being arduous & heat oppressive. However reached the massive walls. I entered at a gateway remarkable as being very narrow. A passage similar to the one at Norba, was shewn me - within the walls were rocks of limestone & scanty herbage. The ground kept rising; & the whole world was hid from my view; but persevering I encountered a much more disagreeable event than rocks & solitude; a bevy of young men, who eating & drinking, & looked on their remarks upon myself, &c. At last having gained the summit, I had the Town of Segni expanded below us, bounded by a range of the hills. On the left a Church built upon three distinct ranges of antiquity. Three square bases of Cyclopean building are surmounted by Roman stone work: once a Temple, now a Church! There are two reservoirs for water cut in the solid rock, one of large dimensions & perhaps had communication with the Temple. The Boys who was with me told me of immense lawns & fountains under the mountain here, & about half way up, but which are now shut up. Another reservoir of Roman brick & about four feet square, I saw, &c. &c." 10th April 1826

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