Futurism in Art was founded by Filippo Tomaso Marinetti on Feb. 20, 1909.
All authorities, including the Encyclopaedia Britannica, agree upon this date.
Last week Futurist Marinetti, who has be come a potent Fascist, set what may possibly become a second historic date, founded Futurism in Food.
Signor Marinetti’s original, epochal “Futurist Manifesto” was published by Le Figaro of Paris. Last week his new manifesto appeared in Gazzetta del Popolo of Turin.
Major premise of the new Futurism:
ABOLITION OF ALL PASTE FOODS (PASTA ASCIUTTA), SUCH AS SPAGHETTI, RAVIOLI, LAZAGNA RIPIENA, RIGATONI, LINGUE DE PASSERA AND PASTINA.
Minor premise: “Rapid presentation, under the noses and eyes of guests, of a great variety of foods, some of which will be eaten later, while some will not, thus tion.” exciting curiosity, surprise and imagination.”
“Our ultimate goal,” proclaimed Futurist Marinetti, “is the creation of a wholly new cuisine based upon synthetic foods.
As rapidly as they can be dispensed with, we shall do away with all so-called ‘natural food.’ ” To make himself clear Futurist Marinetti pointed out that the “natural transportation” provided by the horse has been almost entirely superseded by “synthetic transportation.”
In marking out spaghetti as the first objective of his onslaught Futurist Marinetti, shrewd, sought to ally himself with the “dynamic urge” of the Fascist movement. “We must provide for the Italian people,” he declared, “dishes which will make them dynamic! Spaghetti and all such foods induce torpor, pessimism and skepticism.”
In Naples, spaghettiest of Italian cities, wrathful editors roasted Filippo Tomaso
Marinetti — a dangerous thing to do, for the Founder of Futurism was a member of Benito Mussolini’s first Fascist council, is still a close friend of the Dictator.
For years Il Duce has urged Italians to eat less spaghetti because it is made largely from imported wheat, has recommended as a substitute rice of which Italy produces a surplus.
Conscientiously the English correspond ent of the London Morning Post filed an objective report of Futurist Marinetti’s doings, added his personal conviction : “No man or movement can unwind spaghetti from the heart of Italy.”
Futurist Marinetti’s recipe for carneplastico, “an original dish suggesting the Italian landscape”: Surround a tall up right cylinder of minced veal stuffed with eleven vegetables by a ring of sausages draped between large balls of minced chicken. Crown the whole with golden honey.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Your Vote Is Safe
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- How the Electoral College Actually Works
- Robert Zemeckis Just Wants to Move You
- Column: Fear and Hoping in Ohio
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Contact us at letters@time.com