… In 16th-century Italy, some scintillating circles formed in the smaller courts which resembled salons, often galvanized by the presence of a beautiful and educated patroness such as Isabella d'Este or Elisabetta Gonzaga. The word 'salon' first appeared in France in 1664 (from the Italian word salone, itself from sala, the large reception hall of Italian mansions). The salon evolved into a well-regulated practice that focused on and reflected enlightened public opinion by encouraging the exchange …