FAIR YOUNG LADY FROM MILAN,
(Hand-Coloured and Selenium Toned Print)
Goethe's relationship with women is only vaguely referred to in his diaries. He does make some comments about a 'Fair Young Lady from Milan'. She was Maddalena Ricci and his description of their eventual parting leaves little doubt about the real nature of their relationship.
...the Milanese had light-brown hair, a clear delicate skin, blue eyes and was more out-going, not so much forward as eager to know about things.”
Rome October 1787
An Italian Journey