Between the 19th and 20th century, the national education theme proved to be one of the main issues in the Italian political, cultural, social, pedagogical and scholastic debate. In this scenario, a leading role was played by the periodical press for children, which became an instrument for promoting the wider process of youth mobilisation and ethical-civil education. In this sense, one of the most prestigious experiences, strongly characterised by a defined educational and cultural project, was that of Il Giornalino della Domenica, founded and directed from 1906 by Luigi Bertelli (Vamba). Starting from the analysis of the first and most relevant phase of its activity (1906-1911), this paper aims to investigate the function of the images placed to accompany some contributions destined to educate the national awareness of young readers. Placing itself on a parallel track to that of the official channels, it had the priority of providing its audience with a patriotic and political education, far from the pedantry of the past. The magazine used a refined graphic style and a verbal and iconic language that was captivating, ironic and careful about the readers’ aesthetic taste. For this reason, Il Giornalino, which was mainly addressed to young Italians from the middle and upper classes, chose to collaborate with the most famous writers and artists of the time. This demonstrates the editorial, artistic and cultural quality of the magazine and the exaltation of the significant connection created between education in beauty and civic education of youth.
«Accendere e tener viva sempre nel cuore dei piccoli lettori la fiamma degli eterni ideali per la Patria e per la Umanità». La funzione delle immagini nel progetto di educazione etico-civile de Il Giornalino della Domenica
Montecchiani, Sofia
2025-01-01
Abstract
Between the 19th and 20th century, the national education theme proved to be one of the main issues in the Italian political, cultural, social, pedagogical and scholastic debate. In this scenario, a leading role was played by the periodical press for children, which became an instrument for promoting the wider process of youth mobilisation and ethical-civil education. In this sense, one of the most prestigious experiences, strongly characterised by a defined educational and cultural project, was that of Il Giornalino della Domenica, founded and directed from 1906 by Luigi Bertelli (Vamba). Starting from the analysis of the first and most relevant phase of its activity (1906-1911), this paper aims to investigate the function of the images placed to accompany some contributions destined to educate the national awareness of young readers. Placing itself on a parallel track to that of the official channels, it had the priority of providing its audience with a patriotic and political education, far from the pedantry of the past. The magazine used a refined graphic style and a verbal and iconic language that was captivating, ironic and careful about the readers’ aesthetic taste. For this reason, Il Giornalino, which was mainly addressed to young Italians from the middle and upper classes, chose to collaborate with the most famous writers and artists of the time. This demonstrates the editorial, artistic and cultural quality of the magazine and the exaltation of the significant connection created between education in beauty and civic education of youth.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
