IN THIS LECTURE, we will explore the 19th-century Spanish painters who made their mark on the genre of Orientalism. Through the artworks studied, you will learn about the fascinating culture and costumes of the Moroccan culture as fantasized and also recorded by the Spanish, during this era. Please read the Introduction before the lecture so that you are prepared.
INTRODUCTION
Orientalist painting in Spain was sparked by inquisitiveness about Morocco. This attraction was for obvious reasons. Firstly, the fact that Spain was close to Morocco. Secondly, the “African War” of 1859-1860, a dispute between Spain and Morocco that hinged on the unrelenting attacks of Berber tribesmen on Spanish settlements in North Africa, especially Ceuta and Melilla, on the north coast. Spain declared war on Morocco on 22 October 1859 and bombed the city of Tétouan (Arabic/ Berber) or Tetuán (Spanish) for two days and then entered the fight until the Treaty of Wad-Ras on 26 April 1860.
