Marquis Balbi
22 June 1863

Volume 10, page 306, sitting number 13,594. 

[The sitter is identified in the Silvy daybooks as 'Marquis Balbi,' He had already sat for two Silvy portraits earlier in the month, on one occasion wearing his diplomatic uniform.]

On 13 May 1863 Marquis Balbi was formally presented to the Prince of Wales, standing in for Queen Victoria, at St James's Palace, London. According to a report on the ceremony, the Italian Envoy introduced 'Le Marquis Balbi, Attaché de la Legation à Londres' (Morning Post, 14 May1863).

His name appears in various newspapers as a guest at numerous parties, functions and ceremonies over the next couple of years.

The ancient Balbi family of Genoa were among the most prominent and wealthiest families of Italy. Originally from Rome, after the fall of the western empire they migrated to Venice, Genoa, and Constantinope, among other places. 

[From an album compiled by Lady Augusta Frances Hoare, wife of Sir Henry Ainslie Hoare, 5th Baronet.]