Albrizzi, Countess

Known as Isabella Teotochi and a native of Corfu - 'Teotochi' is perhaps the nearest the Italians could arrive at her Greek name - in 1796 this learned lady married a Count Giuseppe Albrizzi. The Count was her second husband, for at the time of their marriage Isabella was already in her thirties and notable as a person of culture and artistic interests. In Venice she soon became famous for her elegant conversazioni, at which one might hope to meet all the more intelligent society that city affords. It is for this reason that Dr Greysteel seeks Lord Byron there when he needs to consult him about the sad condition of Jonathan Strange.[56]

The Countess is a great enthusiast for sculpture, the works of Canova in particular being favourites with her. Her work Ritratti was published in 1807.