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[read in Italian]
Plate 35 of the 1620 edition shows the Dome of The Rock (1609, plates 33 and 34) mistaken for Solomon’s Temple, as often happens among Western writers (and artists as well: just consider the Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael!). Actually, the author explains that, considering that the Temple had been «destroyed 15 times and completely sacked», there was «not the last vestige». Since it was impossible for Christians to access the esplanade, Amico affirms he was helped by a Corsican convert to Islam to measure the site. These measures were then confirmed by some Muslim worshippers. At the end, the author gave «by judgement and by eye the proportion», considering that from the Mount of Olives it is possible, though at a distance, to observe the monument. He writes about it: «The Temple is adorned with most white marbles, the surface is of lead; the space within the cornices of the corners is filled with enamelled tiles and are adorned Damascene style with divers colours and work» (1620, fol. Hh2v and Plans, p. 114).
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