Abstract

The circulation of Italian court models is an authentic European phenomenon. Besides the different aspects and cases, it is critical to comprehend the modalities and reasons for this process of acculturation. First, we need to identify who were the sovereigns and what were the political conjunctures that sparked the emulation of Italian courtly models. Another angle considers peoples’ mobility as a vehicle of the circulation of cultural models. We also need to consider those who traveled to Italy in search of antiquity and learning. Finally, we need to cast light on the myriad of ‘objects’ (ancient sculptures, paintings, books, etc.) that were imported by European sovereigns and the ‘immaterial’ – yet, very tangible – elements of culture such as language and aesthetics.

Keywords: cultural models, acculturation, migrations, art objects