Italy: The Grand Tour

Thousands of British citizens ventured to Italy for the purpose of enhancing their cultural and educational horizons. Italy was considered the birth place of civilized culture, art, and music. This caused an abundance of travel literature pertaining to the sights and sounds of the Italian experience.  The critic Chloe Chard asserts that in British travel writing, often stressed the excesses of the Italians.  This does seem to be the case, as there is much discussion of the sexual, religious, and gastronomical qualities in Italy.  The British constructed a love/hate relationship with Italy through their works.  The travel writings that appeared from various adventures on the Grand Tour often go on and on about the beauty and fertility of the landscape found in Italy.  There is also a love for the art and cultural contributions of Italy to Britain and the rest of Europe. 

However, the travel writings also make it apparent that British tourists were not so fond of the people and experiences that they found in Italy.  "Rapacious", "lazy", "jealous", "stingy", "lusty" are all words used to describe the Italian people.  Italy was under great economic strife and the home to Catholicism.  These are two explanations  for some of the animosity towards the Italian people and way of life. This site tries to explain where some of these perception about Italy came from, by looking to the cultural, historical, and political climate of the 18th century in Italy.  Welcome to Italy, and enjoy the Grand Tour!

       

	Milan: Center of Enlightenment Thought (Castello Sforzesco by Alessandro Magnasco.)
Naples: Art Amongst Poverty (View of Naples engraved by Cardon, 1765.)
	Venice: City of Sin (View of St. Mark's Basin by Canaletto, 1730-35.)
Florence:  The Leisure Life (View of the Arno River.)
	Rome: The Ultimate Destination (View of Rome by William Marlow.)

Image Sources:

   Milan <http://witcohttpmbe.sbc.edu/ARTHLinks.html>.

    Venice <http://witcohttpmbe.sbc.edu/ARTHLinks.html>.

    Rome (Vaussard 32).

    Naples (Vaussard 193.)

    Florence (Hibbert 103).

 Created by Julia Inslee and Paul Mudd.  Last updated on December 10, 2003.