Bonaventura

 There is relatively little information about the founder of modern Italian sabre fencing, Giuseppe Radaelli (1833-1882). So I was pleasantly surprised when I found this article from 1838, about his  elder brother, Bonaventura, who was also a renowned fencing master in Milan.

Termometro, September 22, 1838

 From this Italian article we learn that a young, but experienced fencer (Bonaventura Radaelli) participated at the academic display of fencing skills, with foil and sabre, on 9th September 1838. He showed a great dexterity in the handling of sabre, during bouts with several amateurs and a talented fencing master Giovanni Villalonga. Some other masters were mentioned in the article. Unfortunately we don't know at what age Bonaventura took part at this event, also his actual status isn't completely clear: Was he just a talented amateur fencer, or probably an assistant fencing master? (The term esperto supports the latter.) Also we don't know the name is his fencing teacher, maestro Villalonga would be a good guess. Anyway it is interesting to know that in 1838 his name is already mentioned in a local newspaper. At that time little Giuseppe is just 5 years old, and later he would learn fencing from his brother, and at the age of 26, he would have his own fencing salle.

  

  Let's read the complete article with GoogleTrans' help: „My dear friend. Milan, 12 September 1838. Without spreading in vain and mostly artificial preambles, here I am ready to satisfy to your inquiry. So I will tell you briefly what were the results of the Academy of sword and saber, which took place in the Sunday, 9 of the current month, in the Ridotto hall of the I. R. Teatro alla Canobbiana. What has been promised to public in the invitation notice, was faithfully maintained. In the different exercises of sword and saber, all, some more, some less, they sufficiently distinguished themselves. The expert young man Bonaventura Radaelli gave a good test of himself, and several amateurs have explained great energy, and a lot of dexterity in the handling of the saber, coming to each other by comparison, and also supporting against the talented master Mr. Giovanni Villalonga very difficult assaults. But what I will tell you about the uncommon merit of the shrewd one Maestro Signor Fortunato Citterio? He showed a lot of prudence and skill in the use of fencing opposing the most valid defense against the repeated assaults of his very well trained competitors. He was unable to enter arringo to give new evidence of his great perspicacity and expertise the emeritus master cav. Mr. Thurs. Batt. Rossi, for a strong bruise he received at the straight shoulder, having been knocked over to the ground by a horse who had fled, and for this injury the spectators were unable to enjoy the most interesting entertainment. This did not therefore result in the Academy being extremely satisfactory, and for good order deriving from the wise direction of the good other master mr. Antonio De Andrea who chaired you, and for the variety of brilliant show, made even more pleasant by the various musical concerts, with much performance and precision performed by the Band of the invitation I. R. Infantry Regiment Count Haugwitz. Therefore praise the aforementioned Misters. sword and saber masters, who don't they left the most suitable means intent on satisfying a respectable and cultured meeting, and did not fail to procure with greater attend to the public other such valuable amusements, which induce height and strength in the minds, nor serve, like so many others, to weaken them, you proclaim idleness making them and softness. But here I make a point, leaving nothing else to add in this regard, I cordially greet you...”

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1. Italian text: „ACCADEMIA DI SPADA E SCIABOLA -- All'1. R. Teatro alla Canobbiana. --- Mio caro amico. Milano, li 12 settembre 1838. Senza diffondermi in vani e per lo piu artificiosi preamboli, eccomi pronto a soddisfare alla tua iuchiesta. Ti diro dunque in succinto quali siano stati i risultamenti dell'Accademia di Spada e Sciabola, ch'ebbe luogo nel giorno di domenica, 9 del corrente mese, nella sala del Ridotto dell' I. R. Teatro alla Canobbiana. Quanto e stato promesso al pubblico nell'avviso d'invito, venne fedelmente mantenuto. Nei diversi esercizi di Spada e di Sciabola, tutti, chi piu, chi meno, bastantemente si distinsero. Ha dato un bel saggio di se l'esperto giovanetto Bonaventura Radaelli, e diversi dilettanti hanno spiegata grande energia, e molta destrezza nel maneggio della Sciabola venendo fra loro al paragone, e sostenendo anche a fronte del valente maestro signor Giovanni Villalonga assai difficili assalti. Ma che ti diro intorno al merito non comune dell'accortissimo maestro signor Fortunato Citterio? Egli fece prova di molta avvedutezza ed abilita nell'uso della scherma opponendo la piu valida difesa contro i replicati assalti degli assai bene addestrati suoi competitori. Non ha potuto entrare nell'arringo a dar novelle prove della sua grande perspicacia e perizia l'emerito maestro cav. sig. Gio. Batt. Rossi, per una forte contusione da lui ricevuta alla spalla diritta, essendo stato rovesciato a terra da un cavallo datosi alla fuga, e per questo infortunio gli spettatori non poterono godere del piu interessante dei divertimenti. Cio non pertanto l'Accademia ha sortito un esito oltremodo soddisfacente, e per il buon ordine derivante dalla saggia direzione del bravo altro maestro sig. Antonio De Andrea che vi ha presieduto, e per la varieta del brillante spettacolo, reso ancor piu gradevole dai diversi concerti musicali, con molto iutendimento e precisione eseguiti dalla Banda dell'inclito I. R. Reggimento d'infanteria conte Haugwitz. Abbiansi quindi lode i suddetti sigg. maestri di Spada e Sciabola, che non lasciarono intentati i piu acconci mezzi per appagare una rispettabile e colta adunanza, e non manchino di procurare con maggiore frequenza al pubblico altri simili pregevoli divertimenti, che in- ducono elevatezza e nerbo negli animi, ne servono, come tant'altri, a fiaccarli, proclivi all'ozio rendendoli ed alla mollezza. Ma qui faccio punto, non rimanendomi altro a soggiungere in proposito, e cordialmente ti saluto: sono” [2]
2. Giovanni Battista Margaroli: Termometro mercantile e d'industria ... compilato da G. B. Margaroli. Nervetti, 1838, p 304. [Source]