3-008-713 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition - "L'Innominato", painted by Guardassoni, of Bologna, 1862. Engraving of a painting. ' For readers not familiar with the works of Manzoni we may mention that the subject of this picture is taken from "I Promessi Sposi," an historical novel in the manner of Sir Walter Scott by this modern Italian author...The "Innominato,' or the "Nameless One," is, according to Manzoni, invested with a great deal of terrible romance even in history. Though spoken of in more than one contemporary work, and the identity of the facts proving they apply to the same person, yet his name is never mentioned. He is always referred to as "this one," "that one," "this man," "that person," as if, says Manzoni, the writer, fearing the chief or his many accomplices, would rather burn his pen or his hand than divulge the terrible secret, if even he know it. The Cardinal, Frederico, himself speaks of him only as a person of great power and noble birth. The mystery remains undiscovered to the present day. To this dreaded personage, as we have said, Don Rodrigo applied to aid him in his plan, and the Innominato, proud to show his power, consents to assist him'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.