The Power of Translation in Mid Nineteenth-Century Spain

Abstract

Translation, in the broadest sense of the term, offers useful methodological insights to the practice of art history. An interesting context in which to apply theoretical concepts from translation theory to art history is provided here by a case study of the nineteenth-century Spanish fascination with the medieval past of Al Andalus. Pérez Villaamil’s nostalgic landscapes are discussed in relation to the work of the Scottish artist David Roberts and new cultural developments within Spain, including the availability of translations of primary Arabic texts by Conde and Gayangos, which were of key significance in nourishing more sympathetic attitudes to Spain’s oriental self. Translation theory enables us to understand the hermeneutics that underpin the visual and textual representations of Al Andalus, and forces us to recognize the enormous power and responsibilities of the translators.

KEYWORDS:

• translation and art
• cultural translation
• translation theory
• Spanish nineteenth-century culture
• landscape painting
• Muslim Spain
• Arabic manuscripts
• Al Andalus
• Pérez Villaamil
• Pascual de Gayangos