Emblemas y lemas de las Sociedades Económicas de Amigos del País : Análisis de un discurso de intenciones

Abstract

The following article propases a new approach to the Economic Societies of the Friend of the Countryside. Basing our study on classical studies, so as to give the necessary historical background to their foundation, we will then consider the cultural dimension in these Economic Societies. To that e.ffect we will analyse the emblems and mottoes of these Societies in reference to the cultural, economic and social context of the time. The results will bring to light four essential elements: - the presence of a classical cultural code of reference, namely the Greek-latin cultural pattern - another new cultural code, the code prevalent in the Age of Enlightenment which valued Education, Reason and Progress - an urban perspective on economic activity, considered from the angle of the ruling, landowning class - a conservative attitude, despite claims to progresive standpoints.