The Grand Tour The Golden Age Of Travel Taschen
The Grand Tour was a rite of passage for wealthy young men in the 18th and 19th century. It was a long journey through Europe, taking in the art, culture, and architecture of the great cities. The tour was seen as a way to complete a classical education, to learn about the world, and to broaden horizons. It was also an opportunity to network with other wealthy young men, and to experience the best that life had to offer.
Taschen is a publisher that specializes in art books, and they have recently released a book called The Grand Tour: The Golden Age of Travel. The book is a beautiful coffee table book, full of stunning photographs and illustrations, that takes the reader on a journey through the history of the Grand Tour.
The History Of The Grand Tour
The Grand Tour started in the 17th century when the wealthy English began to travel abroad. It became more popular in the 18th and 19th century, when young men would embark on a tour of Europe that could last up to three years. The tour was seen as a way to broaden the mind and to complete a classical education. The destinations on the tour included Paris, Rome, Venice, Florence, and Naples, and the young men would stay in luxurious hotels, attend the theater, and visit the great works of art and architecture that Europe had to offer.
The Grand Tour was not just for men, however. Women also took part, although their travels were more restricted. There were also people from other countries who embarked on similar journeys, such as the Germans who took a Bildungsreise, or educational journey, and the Americans who embarked on a Grand Tour of America.
The Art Of The Grand Tour
One of the main reasons for the Grand Tour was to see the great works of art and architecture that Europe had to offer. The young men would visit the great museums, such as the Louvre in Paris and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and they would commission artists to create works for them. The Grand Tour was responsible for the creation of many great works of art, such as Canaletto's paintings of Venice and the sculptures of Antonio Canova.
The art of the Grand Tour was not just about the great works of art, however. The young men themselves were works of art, with their tailored clothes, powdered wigs, and elegant manners. They were often depicted in portraits and caricatures, which were used to advertise their status and influence.
The Legacy Of The Grand Tour
The legacy of the Grand Tour can still be seen today. Many of the great works of art that were created during the tour are still on display in museums and galleries around the world. The tour also had a profound impact on the way that travel is perceived. It was the first time that travel was seen as something that was worthwhile in its own right, rather than just a way to get from one place to another. The Grand Tour paved the way for modern tourism, and it is still seen today as the golden age of travel.
The Grand Tour: The Golden Age of Travel is a beautiful book that celebrates this golden age. It is full of stunning photographs and illustrations, and it provides a fascinating insight into the history of travel. It is the perfect book for anyone who loves art, history, or travel, and it is sure to be a treasured addition to any bookshelf.
Conclusion
The Grand Tour was a phenomenon that lasted for hundreds of years, and it had a profound impact on the way that people viewed travel. It was a time when travel was seen as an adventure, and when young men and women could embark on a journey of discovery that would change their lives forever. The Grand Tour: The Golden Age of Travel is a beautiful book that celebrates this golden age, and it is sure to be a treasured addition to any bookshelf.