Voyages en Italie des artistes du Nord (1500-1800)

Abstract

Northern artists travelling in Italy (1500-1800). In the period extending from the re-discovery of classical Antiquity, with the flowering of the Italian Renaissance, to Neo-classicism, travelling to Italy never ceased, but, considering its chief purpose, i.e. the acquisition of the “ Grande Manière ”, it culminated both at the beginning and the end of this period. In-between, the desire to make a living in Italy by resorting to Northern specialities — applied arts, engraving, landscape painting, genre, still-life and portrait — nearly equalled to the main goal. Rome was the principal destination for the “ Grande Manière ” ; otherwise, the artists could sojourn in the princely courts and trading cities. Initially, the travels could be assimilated to the wanderings of craftsmen, later on, they were subsidized by princes, comunities or private patrons or organized by Academies. These numerous travels usually lasted from three to five years but could eventually extend to about twenty years.