“The power of literature”, “The religion of Freedom” The Staël-function in Benedetto Croce's work

Benedetto Croce was always interested in Germaine de Staël’s work. He appreciated her as a historical figure, but above all for her conception of art: she did not separate artistic work from the moral and political values that give it its cognitive function, which is the basis of literary sociology. Croce also emphasizes de Staël’s dynamic analysis, which is attentive to elucidation and dialogue. De Staël therefore represents a major landmark in Croce’s thought.