Dante Alighieri Society (Societa Nazionale Dante Alighieri). Famous writers.
Description: Series of 12 stamps with 12 subjects.
Date of issue: March 14, 1932. Valid up to January 31, 1933.
The Dante Alighieri Society has as its aim the promotion and diffusion of the Italian language and culture throughout the world and since its foundation in Rome in 1889 has established itself in most countries and major cities.
"Lo stil nuovo", the new style, was developed by a group of 13th and 14th century Italian poets who celebrated a spiritual and idealised view of love and womanhood in a way that is sincere, delicate and musical. The most brilliant poet was Dante and Guido Cavalcanti. The influence of the stilnovisti extended far beyond their period.
Literature of the 14th-century Italy dominated Europe for centuries to follow and may be regarded as the starting point of the renaissance. Three names stand out; Dante; Petrarch and Boccaccio.
The 15th century was of very great importance because it was the century in which a new vision of human life, embracing a different conception of man and life as well as more modern principles of ethics and politics, gradually found its expression.
17th-century in Italian literature is usually described as a period of decadence.
The 19th century was a period of political ferment in Italy, and many outstanding writers were involved in public affairs. Much of the literature written with a political aim, even when not of intrinsic value, became part of Italy’s national heritage and inspired not only those for whom it was written but all who valued freedom.
The thought of Italy as a nation came with the romantic, and the French revolution. The most important herald to nationalism in Italy was Vittorio Alfieri and Ugo Foscolo.
These stamps, together with others are part of a cult dedicated the representative great Italians, who Mussolini called the heroes of Italian civilisation.
Border panel identical on each stamp, fasces on each side and the arms of Savoy with fasces on the left, and the text "Societa Nazionale Dante Alighieri" at the bottom.
Date created: 22/03/00 11:42:36