Note: this talk is in English
The first tourists, as we meet them in the Grand Tour exhibition, were pioneers in many ways. Trying new foods, admiring stunning vistas, buying souvenirs - they did it all! So naturally, the holiday romance fits perfectly into that tradition.
In this talk, Ris Schortinghuis explores the concept of the “Italian Vice” - one of the ways homosexual activities were nicknamed at the time - through the lens of two prominent literary figures of the 18th century, each of whom embarked on a Grand Tour of their own. Drawing from their novels, correspondence, and social circles, we’ll travel alongside them and unpack the allure of Italy - not only as a beacon of art, history, and culture, but also as a place of relative freedom.
Biography
Ris Schortinghuis is the owner of antiquarian/second-hand bookshop Aleph in the city centre of Utrecht. They took over the shop in January 2023 and they will be celebrating its 40th birthday in 2026. Ris was educated (mostly) at Utrecht University, although they did not stick around long enough to receive their master’s degree in Comparative Literary Studies.
They have continued to do research on their own terms, focusing on queer literary and art history. They collect and read hundreds of books a year and share their findings in a biweekly Substack newsletter.
Discover Pride at the Mauritshuis
Did you know that our city palace is full of stories about the LGBTQIA+ community? In this vibrant Art Story, experts share some of the most remarkable tales.
About art and history, but also about themes that matter today. Will you join us?
