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The Secret of the Grand Tour: Why did the upper class love to explore Italy?
In the 18th century, Italy attracted numerous upper-class British aristocrats and wealthy businessmen, who traveled far and wide in the form of the "Grand Tour" to explore this country with rich history and culture. These journeys were not just sightseeing, but also integrated art, academics and social activities, becoming a popular trend among the upper class at the time.
"The purpose of a grand tour is not only leisure, but also a journey of self-improvement."
Travel back to 18th century Britain, when society was undergoing tremendous change. At the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the nobles longed for cultural enrichment and spiritual encounters. Italy, the land that gave birth to the Renaissance, became their heart's desire. Their journeys usually took them through France and the Netherlands, with stops in major Italian cities in search of sources of art and knowledge.
According to historians, many upper-class people would take this opportunity to buy artworks and bring them back to Britain, which not only promoted their social status but also inspired the local art trend. The rise of art collecting is one of the important results of this travel craze.
"The purpose of traveling is not only to see, but also to understand and experience."
During this period, Italian art and fashion trends permeated the lives of the British upper class, influencing their dress and taste. From the “noodle” style clothing that was popular at the time to the elegant and classy clothing of the Elizabethan period, all were inspired by Italian art.
The hedonistic sentiment in social change
However, during this period of great travel, Britain itself was also undergoing tremendous social changes. The differentiation of social classes is becoming increasingly obvious. In contrast to the rise of the emerging industrial class, the upper class still holds traditional power. Their yearning for Italy is actually a desire for history and culture, and an expression of resistance to the unrest brought about by social change.
"During our journey to Italy, we found our lost culture and ourselves."
In addition to art and culture, Italian cuisine is also one of the reasons why these nobles look forward to it. Italian cuisine is not only rich and diverse, but has also gradually become a part of the upper class lifestyle. Following this trend, Britain's food culture has also undergone profound changes, with many Italian dishes entering aristocratic banquets and social occasions.
Travel reshapes identity
For these British elites, traveling to Italy was not only a form of enjoyment, but also a means to maintain and enhance their status in society. In that era, having overseas travel experience became a symbol of social status. The more one was exposed to various cultures during such travels, the more dominant one could be in social circles.
"In the process of exploration, the reshaping of identity adds extra value to every trip."
Cultural gathering and dialogue of souls
These journeys brought back not only paintings and collectibles, but more importantly, new insights into art, literature and science. Many travelers brought Italian literature and art trends back to their country, which contributed to the flourishing development of British literature at the time and produced a large number of outstanding writers and poets.
Not only that, the Enlightenment thought of this period also began to spread in British society, allowing people to have a deeper understanding of themselves, society and culture. The cultural dialogue created by the Grand Tour established a deep connection between British elites and Italy's classical heritage, opening a new chapter in cultural exchanges between the two sides.
SummaryEvery trip is not only a geographical leap, but also an exploration of the soul. These pursuits of history and beauty have not only improved them on a personal level, but have also reshaped the cultural landscape of British society. What did the British aristocrats find during this journey?
