Orientalism in the Victorian era refers to the study, depiction, and imitation of Eastern cultures, societies, and peoples by Western creators, particularly during the 19th century. This period saw a fascination with Eastern cultures, which was reflected in various forms of art and literature. Some key aspects of Orientalism in the Victorian era include:
Influence of The Arabian Nights: One of the first works to introduce the image of the Orient as a place of wonders, wealth, mystery, intrigue, romance, and danger to Western Europe was The Arabian Nights, translated into French by Antoine Galland in 1704 1.
Prominence in literature: Orientalism was pervasive in Victorian literature, featuring in works by authors such as William Thackeray, the Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Joseph Conrad, and Rudyard Kipling, among others 1. In poetry, Edward Fitzgerald’s Rubaiyat is a key text, while many works by Alfred Tennyson and Robert Browning also show the influence of Orientalist tropes and ideas 1.
Art: Many 19th-century artists, such as Jean-Léon Gérôme, Eugène Delacroix, and John Frederick Lewis, created Orientalist paintings that depicted scenes from Eastern cultures, often focusing on harems, markets, and everyday life 6. These works often used vibrant color palettes and were imbued with a sense of exoticism and mystery.
Stereotypes and cultural biases: Orientalism has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and cultural biases, often reflecting colonialist attitudes and ideologies 7. In both art and literature, Orientalist works often depict Eastern cultures and peoples in exotic, romanticized, or mysterious ways, reinforcing the notion of the East as the "other" 16.
In summary, Orientalism in the Victorian era encompasses the study, depiction, and imitation of Eastern cultures by the West, often characterized by stereotypes and cultural biases. This fascination with the East was reflected in various forms of art and literature during the 19th century.