Massimo d'Azeglio

Overview

Marchese Massimo Taparelli d'Azeglio (1798-1866) was an Italian statesman, novelist, and painter. He served as Prime Minister of Sardinia-Piedmont from 1849 to 1852, preceding Cavour. As a novelist, he is best known for Ettore Fieramosca (1833) and Niccolò de' Lapi (1841), both historical novels promoting Italian national consciousness during the Risorgimento.

Relevance to Marie

Marie's Italian companion Sabatini reads Niccolò de' Lapi aloud to her in October 1875 (carnet 045). The novel, set during the 1530 siege of Florence, is a patriotic tale of Italian resistance. While Sabatini reads, Marie secretly watches the movements of Gioia and Audiffret from her vantage point — the literary Italian patriotism serving as mere backdrop to her personal drama.

Historical Context

D'Azeglio was a quintessential figure of the Risorgimento: nobleman, artist, writer, and politician. His novels used medieval Italian settings to promote contemporary nationalist ideals. His marriage to Alessandro Manzoni's daughter connected him to Italy's greatest novelist. His famous quote "L'Italia è fatta. Restano da fare gli italiani" (Italy is made. Now we must make Italians) summarized the challenge of unification.

Works Referenced

- Niccolò de' Lapi, ovvero I Palleschi e i Piagnoni (1841) — Historical novel about the siege of Florence in 1530

References in Diary

- 1875-10-01 (carnet 045) — Sabatini reads Niccolò de' Lapi to Marie