North–South confrontations became commonplace conflicts in regional, national and global contexts with the rise of modern nation-states. Following the late 19th century historiographical debate over the cultural and racial origins of France and the question of its Germanic and/or Latin identity, the concept of Northernness was redefined with regard to its propagated inferiority in relation to Southern culture and was re-appreciated in its geographical, cultural, ideological and historical topoi.

This Special Issue focuses on 20th century discourses that stress the shared heritage and cosmopolitan culture of Northernness in Western European art as well as the rejection of Southern cultural hegemony and the classic canon through the introduction of its Northern equivalent and vice versa. We are seeking papers that trace relevant references and concepts in interbellum art and literature. We are particularly interested in examples from the North-Western and Southern regions of Europe, namely Belgium, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Greece, that investigate the symbolic geographies and mental maps of North/South rivalries, primarily in artistic and secondarily in literary contexts. The issue, furthermore, accepts book reviews and reports related to the topic.

A 150-word abstract, 5 keywords and a short bio, in English, should be sent to Dr Chara Kolokytha (charakolokythaaol.com) and Wendy Liu (wendy.liumdpi.com).

Deadline for the submission of abstracts: 31 October 2022.

Final articles should be in English, minimum length 5000 words (fee exemption applies).
Guest Editor Dr. Chara Kolokytha (Northumbria University, UK/ NTU, GR)