3-011-665 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late flood of the Arno at Florence - from a sketch by E. W. Cooke, R.A., 1864. View of '...the flood which visited that city from the sudden rise of the river Arno, caused by a storm of rain...[Mr. Cooke writes:] The pent-up waters of the Mugnone and Amo, with their numerous tributary torrents from the vast amphitheatre of mountains surrounding Florence, suddenly burst into the valley, and rushed with irresistible force through the several bridges, rising in about six hours to the height of 17 ft...The scene...presented the extraordinary appearance of a turbulent sea, not of water, but of mud, mingled with the debris of forests, vineyards, and gardens...On Sunday evening the Lung'Arno was covered; the torrent flowing over the parapet of the massive wall inclosing the river. Thousands of people could not reach their homes...The sketch (taken from my window, on the Lung'Arno, looking south) represents the beautiful work of Ammanati (built in 1569), the Ponte della Trinità, with the Church of Santo Spirito and the Hill of Bellosguardo in the distance...the damage was confined to the houses and streets which are contiguous to the Arno; but in the flat portion of the surrounding country a large amount of property was destroyed or injured'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.