Formation of the Chinoiserie style and the manifestation of Chinese culture in the Voltaire’s play The Chinese Orphan
Abstract
The article considers cultural relations between Europe and China dating back to the 13th century. The penetration of Chinese fabrics, clothing, porcelain and other products to Europe stirred a great interest of Europeans translated into a unique phenomenon named Chinoiserie in the 17th and 18th centuries. European missionary monks not only introduced Christianity to China, but also spread Chinese literature and the teachings of Confucianism in Europe. Chinoiserie in performing arts exhibited itself, first of all, in ballets and operas. The study proves that of great importance was the Voltaire's play “L’Orphelin de la Chine” ( “The Chinese Orphan”, 1753), based on a Yuan drama “The Orphan of Zhao”, written by Ji Junxiang (14th c.) and translated into French by the Jesuit J. M. de Prémare in 1732. The tragedy by Voltaire combined the main ideas of Enlightenment, classicist theatrical aesthetics. and the idealization of China in Chinoiserie.
About the Authors
V. I. Maksimov
Vaganova Ballet Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dr. Habil. (Art), Prof.
2, Zodchego Rossi St., Saint Petersburg, 191023
Xianmei Li
Vaganova Ballet Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Master’s student
2, Zodchego Rossi St., Saint Petersburg, 191023
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Review
For citations:
Maksimov V.I., Li X. Formation of the Chinoiserie style and the manifestation of Chinese culture in the Voltaire’s play The Chinese Orphan. Bulletin of Vaganova Ballet Academy. 2025;(5):111-124. (In Russ.)
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