Welcome to Henry's Travel Blog!
Although he kept detailed business papers, Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw left little personal material for biographers to consider in analyzing his life. One of the few items which remain is a series of five journals. Following his retirement from the hardware business in 1840, Shaw traveled abroad and made notes, recollections, and even sketches in these small bound books. Join us as we chart Henry's journey to Europe and beyond.
 
Shaw's variable spellings, punctuation, and grammar, preserved throughout, are typical even for well-educated gentlemen in the 19th Century. Important note (4/14/09): The entries from March 11, 2009 through April 8, 2009, correspond to recently discovered text from Henry Shaw's journal. They will be posted online under the correct dates to preserve chronological accuracy.
 
   
   

Posted Online Monday, September 28, 2009

December 21, 1841: The Violante

Purchased the Violante of Paris Bordone late in the collection of the cabinet of the deceased Sig. Guspero Gruglietto of Venice. It has been engraved by Antonio Viviani. Pope Alexander the 3rd in the l2th century distressed & persecuted by the emperor Frederick Barbarossa - came to Venice in disguise - went to the porch of a convent where he passed a night and for three days served as a menial in the Kitchen.

Venice & the Doge espoused his cause. A red marble in the pavement of the vestibule of St. Marks is shown as the place where Barbarossa came and made his obeisance the Pope treading on his neck -