The Papacy Returns to Rome

On January 17, 1377, Pope Gregory XI moved the papacy back to Rome, from Avignon, where it had been since 1309.  The Avignon Papacy spanned seven popes, from the French (Aquitanian) Clement V to Gregory.  The decision to exit Avignon is credited partly to the efforts of Saint Catherine of Siena.  In 1376, Catherine visited Gregory, serving as ambassador of Florence in an attempt to secure peace between Florence and the Papal States.  Her diplomacy failed to quell the strife, but Gregory was apparently impressed enough by Catherine that he was persuaded to return to Rome.

Saint Catherine is referenced in Scott's "The Abbot", along with a footnote on her role in influencing  Gregory's mind.

'..."They call me Lady Abbess, or Mother at the least, who address me,"said Dame Bridget, drawing herself up, as if offended at her friend's authoritative manner--"the Lady of Heathergill forgets that she speaks to the Abbess of Saint Catherine."...'

Sir David Wilkie

The Scottish painter David Wilkie was born this day in 1785. The son of a minister in Fife, Wilkie took to art early in life, and began formal training under John Graham. Wilkie traveled extensively through Europe, which greatly influenced his style. In 1823, Wilkie was named Royal Limner for Scotland, and he undertook sittings with King George IV, to commemorate his visit to Scotland. In 1830, Wilkie was appointed painter in ordinary to the king, and he was knighted in 1836.

Wilkie and Scott were familiar to each other. Wilkie visited Abbotsford in 1818, and painted Scott's family. All were depicted in Scottish peasant dress for the painting. which is titled "The Abbotsford Family".