Textual and Visual Orientalism in Bridgman's Winters in Algeria (1888)

Abstract

This study explores the complex relationship between Western travel writing and Orientalist painting through a profound analysis of Frederick Arthur Bridgman' book Winters in Algeria. By fostering Edward Said's critical perspective on Orientalism, the study also tracks the development of these genres and their effects on Western perceptions of the East. Through an examination of former Anglo-American travel writers' narratives of Algeria during 19th century, and further by employing semiotic and iconographic theories, the research inquires into the visual vocabulary of Bridgman's artworks, uncovering the symbolic construction of a romanticised Orient. By analysing selected texts from his travelogues and a selection of his paintings, this study delves into his depiction of the Oriental woman, animal encounters, and his views on Islam. This dissertation highlights the complex dynamics of cultural representation, the enduring influence of Orientalist imagery, deconstructs the stereotypes and misrepresentations perpetuated by Bridgman's work, offering a comprehensive understanding of his contribution to the Orientalist realm and its lasting impact on Western imagination.