The peacock fan 

Frederick Arthur Bridgman painted 'The Peacock Fan', likely in the late 19th century, capturing a moment of orientalist fantasy on canvas. Images like these were hugely popular during a time when European society was increasingly fascinated with the 'Orient', a region romanticized for its perceived exoticism and sensuality. Yet, how much did these representations reflect reality, and how much did they serve to reinforce Western cultural biases? Bridgman, like many artists of his time, was influenced by the colonial narratives that shaped European perceptions of non-Western cultures. By examining exhibition records, travel writings, and popular media of the era, we can unpack the complex interplay between artistic expression, cultural exchange, and the politics of representation. This helps us understand the social conditions that shaped artistic production. The art historian's task is to contextualize such works, revealing their place within a broader history of cultural encounter and exchange.