Count Angelo De Gubernatis (1840-1913) was one of the most eminent scholars of the newly united Italy. He was a writer and scientist (orientalist, linguist, grammatician), he founded many journals, and organized conferences and exhibitions on several subjects. In the 1870s he got in touch with Marie d’Agoult, corresponding with her until her death. In the 1880s he met Liszt in Florence and in Budapest, and involved him in a charity initiative.
From De Gubernatis’ writings and other sources, the author casts new light on unexpected instances useful for enriching Liszt’s biography in the last years of his life in Italy, especially on his friendship with outstanding people living in Florence but coming from different countries. Also the little known correspondence between De Gubernatis and Madame d’Agoult is briefly investigated.