Patronage and the Grand Tour

Cloze texts are an effective tool for promoting active reading and comprehension skills, especially among younger readers. By strategically omitting keywords, students are encouraged to focus closely on the text to fill in the blanks, thereby enhancing their understanding of the content. This particular cloze text about the Grand Tour and patronage serves not only to engage students with historical cultural practices but also to introduce them to the concept of cultural exchange and the impact of travel on art and society. The task of identifying and replacing key terms helps students to grasp the importance of patronage in the arts and the role of aristocrats in promoting cultural and artistic endeavors during the 18th century. Additionally, the text highlights the significance of travel in broadening one's horizons and contributing to a shared European heritage, thus fostering a deeper appreciation for art and history. This exercise can be seamlessly integrated into lessons on European history, art history, or cultural studies, making it a versatile resource for educators.