French Women Orientalist Artists, 1861-1956: Cross-Cultural Contacts and Depictions of Difference

This book is the first full-length study dedicated to French women Orientalist artists. It brings together primary documentation related to seventy-two women artists whose works of art can be placed in the canon of French Orientalism between 1861 and 1956. It focuses on artists' cross-cultural interactions with painted/sculpted representations of the Maghreb, particularly in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. Kelly argues that French women's perspectives of the Maghreb differed from the male gaze and were informed by their artistic training and social positions in Europe. The works of art presented show influences of Modernism, and the book engages with important discussions on the crossing view of the historical female other with the cultural other, artistic hybridity, and influence in art, as well as the postcolonial response to French activities in colonial Algeria and the protectorates of Tunisia and Morocco.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book is the first comprehensive exploration of French women Orientalist artists, a field that has received limited attention in academic discourse. Authored by Mary Kelly, a renowned scholar in the field, the book brings together a wealth of primary documentation spanning seventy-two women artists whose works fall within the canon of French Orientalism, a movement that flourished between 1861 and 1956. By bringing these artists together for the first time and providing in-depth contextual analyses of their works, Kelly sheds light on their cross-cultural interactions with painted and sculpted representations of the Maghreb, particularly in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.

Kelly adopts an interdisciplinary "open platform of discussion" approach, building upon established theories that emphasize the gendered gaze. This entails a thoughtful exploration of women's perspectives of and contacts with Muslim women, as well as various Maghrebi cultures and landscapes, while also being mindful of the subject position of the French artist and the complexities that arise when discussing European-made "ethnographic scenes." Kelly argues that French women's perspectives of the Maghreb differed from the male gaze and were shaped by their artistic training and social positions in Europe. In doing so, she delves into the socio-cultural modernity of French women, highlighting their contributions to the field of art.

Furthermore, the works of art presented in this book exhibit influences of Modernism, making it an essential resource for scholars interested in progressive Realism and Naturalism in art. Kelly's research also sheds light on the Orientalist shift into Modernist subject matter and form, reflecting the changing artistic landscape of the time. Through her exploration of French women Orientalists, Kelly engages in important discussions on the cross-view of historical female others with cultural others, artistic hybridity, influence in art, and the postcolonial response to French activities in colonial Algeria and the protectorates of Tunisia.

This groundbreaking book not only contributes to our understanding of French women artists but also broadens our horizons by shedding light on the complex and multifaceted relationships between different cultures and artistic movements. It is a valuable resource for scholars, artists, and anyone interested in the intersection of gender, culture, and art history.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032027784