Educated at Naples, and at the early age of seventeen commenced his musical career as the composer of an opera, which was rapidly followed by sixteen more. In 1803, he went to Paris, and continued composing operas. In 1807, appointed musical Director to the Empress Josephine; and in 1808, produced with great success his best work, “La Vestale.” From 1810 to 1820, Director of the Italian Opera in Paris. Then invited to Berlin, where he wrote some more operas, and remained until the death of the late king in 1840. The greater part of the music composed by Spontini is forgotten. He was eclipsed by the genius of Rossini, but he had remarkable ability as a dramatic composer. His instrumentation was original, and his music abounds in melody. [By Rauch, 1827. From the marble on the Monument to Spontini, at Tesi, in Italy.] 170. NICCOLO PAGANINI. _Violinist._ [Born at Genoa, 1784. Died at Nice, 1840. Aged 56.] The greatest of modern fiddlers, who performed in the principal cities of Europe, and acquired more fame and money by playing on one string, than any of the brotherhood ever gained on all four. He looked like a magician, and his playing justified his looks. [By Dantan, 1837.] 171. MARIA FELICITAS MALIBRAN. _Actress._ [Born in Paris, 1808. Died at Manchester, 1836. Aged 28.] A wonderfully gifted dramatic genius, too soon cut off by death. In France, England, Germany and Italy, she created enthusiastic admiration, as much by her histrionic powers, as by her efforts as a songstress. She was a child of nature, and as benevolent as she was richly endowed with intellectual gifts. She made the noblest uses of the earnings of her industry, and was beloved by her fellow artists for the unaffected goodness of her heart. No actress of her time equalled her for truth and passion. Whatever art was in her, lay concealed. It never came to view. Her acting assailed the feelings of men, and took them prisoner. Escape was its own punishment. [By Flosi.] 171A. MARIA FELICITAS MALIBRAN. _Actress._ [For account of this statue, see Handbook to Modern Sculpture, No. 108.] 172. GIULIA GRISI. _Italian Singer._ [Born in 1816. Still living.] Made her first appearance in London during the season of 1834, being then 18 years old. From that time until her retirement from the English stage in 1854, not absent for a single season. Her voice a soprano of great power and of exquisite purity. Her histrionic talents, of the highest order, displayed equally in the artless peasant girl, and in the passionate and revengeful Semiramis. During twenty years she reigned supreme as queen of the lyric drama, finding many rivals, but no equal. [By Flosi.] POETS AND DRAMATISTS. 173. DANTE ALIGHIERI. _Poet._ [Born at Florence, 1265. Died at Ravenna, 1321. Aged 56.]