Grand Tour as Part of Architectural Education and Search for New Sources of Influence - Essay Example

Grand Tour as Part of Architectural Education and Search for New Sources of Influence Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Name Date of Submission Grand Tour as Part of Architectural Education and Search for New Sources of Influence Introduction The Grand Tour is one of the most prevalent artistic activities that prevailed between the 18th and 19th century in the world. Accordingly, it is stated that it was reservedly an activity for the wealthy people in the society who could afford to move from one region to another to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field. Importantly, at this time, there was minimal development of infrastructure and people had to use the hardly available means of transport to move from one region to another thus, it would take a considerably long time before the people could reach the predetermined destination. For example, most of the people toured countries such as Italy, France and Greece1. Additionally, they visited regions in Europe as well as eastern countries such as turkey Egypt and Syria to augment their knowledge in the sector. In fact, it was stated as a culmination journey of education of architects as they would view some of the renowned artistic works by the famous artists. Nonetheless, they would benchmark these ideas to their countries for ultimate display. This paper will focus on the grand tour in the 18th and 19th century with broad focuses on the reasons for the indulgence of the critical activity. The Prevalence of the Visits In the beginning of the sixteenth century, a number of activities were notable in the world of art as many people started a prevalent activity. Ideally, it was fashionable for young architects to be involved in excursions in various parts of the world such as Paris, Venice and Florence. Importantly, Rome was the ultimate region that all architects would visit since the city has a rich history of artistic work. In fact, it is noted that this was the culmination of the education in classical art. Due to the popularity of the visits to the famous places, Englishmen, Germans and Scandinavians were introduced to the activity so that they could explore the culture and talents of people from other regions2. Nonetheless, the Americans were also introduced into the norm as they toured different places in France and Italy to define the artistic work that had been done in the current and hitherto centuries. However, many individuals had a daunting task since the tour was arduous and expensive at that time3. Thus, this was an activity that was reserved for the few people that had the financial muscle to cater for the stipends. Thus, the privileged class that produced scientists, patrons of arts and authors would comfortably involve the kindred in the exploration. Involvement of the Royal and Aristocratic Families The loyal and aristocratic families in Europe were occasionally involved in this noble activity as they enhanced the knowledge of the people that were involved in arts4. Most importantly, many people from England were involved in this activity as they considered it as an integral lesson that would enhance the profession of artists. Consequently, wealthy Americans followed the bandwagon and started their exploration in some of the areas that were rich in artistic work. Ideally, it is noted that the ostensible reason for the involvement of the excursions was to act as a suitable breeding ground of the finest artists in the world. Thus, the grand tour was a crucial opportunity to the individuals as this would enhance their preparation to become some of the renowned artists in the world. Social Status During the 18th and 19th century, only the financially endowed individuals participated in the noble professions such as artistry and authorship5. Thus, some of the renowned professions were meant for some of the people in the society due to the nature of their work. Importantly, there was discrimination in that poor people may not have been in a position to afford the costs that would be attracted by joining the career. Thus, people that participated in the grand tour were privileged since they were allowed to participate in an activity that many would have wished to be involved by they were not6. For this reason, the involvement in the grand tour was an indication of elevation to a higher class. Apparently, the social status of the people that were involved in the excursion augmented significantly such that they were allowed to interact with the famous people in the society. As a result, people may have been coerced to visit Rome and France as an indicator of an improved status in the society. Educational Enhancement It is noted that people have to be involved in various activities to attain an elevation in education. Most of the artists were involved in both formal and informal learning activities to enhance their competency in the field. Apparently, most of them were refined in that they would deliver some of the finest artistic works7. However, they were hardly recognized by the society since they had not attained what was preferably the culmination of their education in the world of art. Accordingly, it is indicated that visits to some of the famous places on earth would enhance the participation in the world of art. Thus, the excursions were the most important aspects of artistry in that people would graduate after the incident. For this reason, many of the aspiring artists were involved in the grand tour so that their education status would be elevated. Nonetheless, the success of most of the people was defined by the visits to the renowned places such as Rome and Paris. Therefore, the critical perspective of artists was involvement in the grand tour to be honored as some of the individuals that had attained the coveted activity. New Cultural Experience There is a connection between art and culture in that some of the renowned paintings, drawings and works of arts are connected to a particular way of life. Ideally, the tour was designed in a way that people from various countries would visit a specific location that was dominant in artistic works by some of the eminent artists. Thus, it was a way of visiting new regions to define the norms, beliefs and traditions of the people8. For example, it is noted that one of the fundamental values for involvement in the grand tour was to expose the artists to the cultural legacy of different places. Thus, the culture of the Europeans would be appreciated as one of the most respected traditions in the world. In fact, it gave the people an opportunity to view selected works of art from the artists that existed at that time. Additionally, it was a rare chance for the visitors to listen to some of the music that was composed by the singers in the region. Since the grand tour could last for several months, it gave the people a chance to explore all aspects of art in specific areas such as paintings, drawings and songs. Nonetheless, the excursion was facilitated by a tour guide that was knowledgeable in the vast areas of art. Thus, the individual would provide critical explanations about the origin of the work of art and provide additional information that would expose the cultural origin9. For these reasons, the ruling class was often involved in the tours as they appreciated the discrepancy in the cultural activities although there was reconnection to the economic and military power in the arts. Adventure The 18th and 19th century provided individuals with opportunities to explore vast areas of the world in search of adventure. Although it was not linked to pilgrimage or religion, the tour provided the individuals with a chance to enjoy the pleasures that were offered in Venice. At that time, the city attracted adventure seekers from all over the world and they engaged the grand tour to make their visit pleasurable10. Additionally, many people that were involved in the tour were focused on staying in Rome since it was a city that had a historic background that was measurable to other prominent towns in the world though few. Nonetheless, young artists that had optimism in the profession were engaged in the trips to gain a refined understanding of arts. Some of the most prevalent areas of focus included paintings, sculptures and drawings. Thus, they explored additional techniques that they would use in the profession so that they could make reputable works of art. Additionally, the individuals had the rare chance to access some of the private antiquities that were only available to a few people. Benchmarking the Paintings, Drawings and Songs The grand tour provided the people with a chance to explore and interact with drawings, paintings and songs that had been composed by people from different areas of the world such as Rome, Venice and France11. Ideally, these were amongst the finest pieces of art that were available in the world and they attracted immense attention. Due to their artistic nature, the learners from Europe had to visit France, Italy and Greece as a benchmarking trip to copy the strategies that were used by the experienced artists. As such, they would use the same structures to compose their work of art, and this would enhance their attractiveness to the world. Thus, they had an opportunity to make a critical step in the culmination of their artistic profession by visiting such places. Market Place to Buy and Sell Works of Art The grand tour presented individuals with the rare chance to meet some of the famous artists and their work of art in areas such as Rome, Venice and Paris12. Apparently, some of the drawings and paintings were attractive that they were in high demand by the politically inclined individuals. As such, they would demand to buy some of the works of art o display in other countries13. Since they were financially endowed, it was easy to procure the works of art. Additionally, some of the artists brought their pieces of art as a display in the country although this was not often. Thus, the rand tour was a special market that allowed the mighty families in the 18th and 19th century to procure artistic works in other cities during the excursion. Ideally, this was a form of pride and evaluation of class since few people could own such paintings and drawings. Conclusion In conclusion, the grand tour as initiated by the end of the 17th century where people started to visit various places that were recognized for their artistic works. However, the activity was prevalent in the 18th and 19th century as there was an emergence of many people that were interested in the profession. Apparently, many people from Europe, England and the America showed interest in the visits to renown placed such as Rome Venice and Paris. Ideally, they had various reasons such as culmination point for young artists and a confirmation of social status. Additionally, it was a prevalent activity for aristocratic and royal families as this asserted their position in the country. Nonetheless, the tours were instigated by adventure seekers that wanted new experience in the world. Further, individuals were involved in the activity as a way to benchmark the approaches that were used by the famous artists. More so, most of the visitors used this excursion to explore the works of art and produce replicas. Notwithstanding, this was an opportunity to explore the products in the market and buy them. Thus, the grand tour was a prevalent and important activity of the wealthy, loyal and politically inclined families that wanted their kindred to pursue artistry. Since the tour was expensive and only manageable by a few people, it was a form of elevation of social status. Bibliography Ambroziak, Brian M., and Michael Graves. Michael Graves Images of a Grand Tour. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2005.  Borley, Lester. The Grand Tour: and It’s Influence on Architecture, Artistic Taste and Patronage. Scotland: Europa Nostra UK, 2008.  Chaney, Edward, and Timothy Wilks. The Early Grand Tours: Jacobean Adventurers in Continental Europe. London: I.B. Tauris, 2013.  Nilsen, Micheline. Nineteenth-Century Photographs and Architecture: Documenting History, Charting Progress, and Exploring the World. Farnham: Ashgate, 2013.  Seidler, Harry. The Grand Tour: Harry Seidler's Architectural Sights. KöLn: Taschen, 2007.  Sweet, Rosemary. Cities and the Grand Tour: The British in Italy, C.1690-1820. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012.  Read More