Blacks and Blackness in European Art of the Long Nineteenth Century

In nineteenth-century European art, black figures were used to represent difference, and this collection of essays explores the complexities, contradictions, and ambiguities of these representations. It covers topics such as anti-slavery imagery, black women in Orientalist art, race and beauty in fin-de-siècle photography, French blackface minstrelsy, and images of an African model by Edvard Munch. Despite the challenges of resurrecting black lives in nineteenth-century Europe, one essay highlights the rare instance of an American artist of color in mid-nineteenth-century Europe. The volume offers new interpretations of nineteenth-century representations of blacks, including works by Géricault and portraits of Ira Aldridge.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the captivating and unsettling world of nineteenth-century European art, black figures emerged as the epitome of difference, captivating both hearts and minds. These captivating figures, adorned with vibrant and dark hues, have continued to intrigue scholars, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of constructions of blackness during this transformative era. This remarkable collection marks a significant milestone in the scholarship on images of blacks, venturing beyond simplistic binaries such as negative and positive, which fail to capture the intricate complexities, contradictions, and ambiguities that permeated this period.

The essays within this volume delve into a rich tapestry of visual representations, spanning from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century. They explore the captivating world of anti-slavery imagery, where black figures are depicted as powerful and resilient, challenging the oppressive systems of their time. Black women, portrayed in Orientalist art, emerge as captivating and mysterious, captivating the Western gaze with their exotic allure. In the realm of fin-de-siècle photography, race and beauty intertwine, with black subjects often portrayed as objects of desire and admiration, challenging the societal norms of the time.

Furthermore, this collection delves into the enigmatic world of French blackface minstrelsy, where performers painted their faces with black greasepaint to caricature African Americans and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It also presents a set of little-known images of an African model by the renowned Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, offering a unique perspective on the representation of blackness in art during this period.

Amidst the challenges of resurrecting black lives in nineteenth-century Europe, one essay stands out as a rare instance of an American artist of color in mid-nineteenth-century Europe. Through a meticulous analysis of works ranging from Géricault's iconic Raft of the Medusa to portraits of the American actor Ira Aldridge, this volume offers fresh interpretations of nineteenth-century representations of blacks. It sheds light on the complexities and nuances of these representations, challenging our preconceived notions and illuminating the rich tapestry of artistic expression that unfolded during this pivotal era.

In conclusion, this collection of essays is a testament to the ongoing exploration of the visuality of blackness in nineteenth-century European art. It provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the constructions of blackness, challenging us to reexamine our perceptions and embrace the complexities and ambiguities that shaped this era. Through their insightful analyses, these scholars have contributed to our collective understanding of art history, shedding light on the enduring legacy of black figures and their profound impact on the world of art.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138310315