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Skating at Florence, 1864. Creator: Unknown
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Skating at Florence, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Skating at Florence, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by L. Caldesi. 'In Florence this year our English residents and visitors have been able to enjoy skating with as much zest as has been done on the ornamental waters in our metropolitan parks. From the 5th to the 20th January the thermometer was at 8 deg. (centigrade), and the Arno was almost completely frozen over. Such a cold season has not been known or felt by the Florentines for ten years; and it has been still more trying on account of a sharp easterly wind blowing for many days. As the Engraving shows, the place where the skating went on was outside Porta St. Gallo, near to the fortress; and one of the most energetic as well as the best of the skaters in Florence, Mr. Spence, took great trouble to encourage the sport. He established a band near the banks of the pond, and quadrilles were danced with much animation and grace. On the night of the 20th a torchlight fete was given by that gentleman, and many ladies distinguished themselves by the elegance of their movements'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38078982
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Amusement Arno City Walls Climate Climate Change Cold Day Out Day Trip Enjoying Enjoyment Expat Expatriate Expatriates Expats Fallen Falling Falling Over Florence Tuscany Italy Europe Frozen Ice Skate Ice Skater Ice Skaters Ice Skates Ice Skating Outing River Arno Sled Sledge Town Wall Walled City Walled Town Walls Pastime
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a rare moment in history - Skating at Florence in 1864. The engraving, based on a sketch by L. Caldesi, showcases the English residents and visitors enjoying the frozen Arno with as much enthusiasm as they would in their own metropolitan parks. The cold season that year was particularly harsh, with temperatures dropping to 8 degrees centigrade and a sharp easterly wind blowing for days on end.
The skating took place outside Porta St. Gallo, near the fortress, where Mr. Spence, one of the most energetic skaters in Florence, went to great lengths to encourage the sport. He even organized a band and quadrilles were danced with grace and animation on the banks of the pond.
As depicted in this engraving from "Illustrated London News", 1864, the atmosphere must have been truly magical - torchlight fêtes illuminating the icy landscape while elegant ladies glided across the frozen river with finesse.
This image serves as a reminder of simpler times when nature provided its own entertainment and people came together to enjoy it wholeheartedly. It is a snapshot of history frozen in time - capturing not just an activity but also a sense of community spirit and joy shared amongst friends and strangers alike.
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