La Repubblica del Gusto. Riflessioni sul nazionalismo culturale

This essay examines the central role of taste in the formation of the idea of nationhood in eighteenth-century Europe. The particular case of England is interesting because it concretely demonstrates the importance of art and taste in the creation of national identity in the eighteenth century. Circumstances such as the Grand Tour then favoured the circulation of works of art (originals or copies), engravings and reports on continental customs and traditions, which in turn signalled the importance of producing a national style and art capable of competing on the level of taste and art with other 'civilised' European nations.