Sharing History

One of the main characteristics of the 19th century is the notion of revivalism and appreciation of past styles, such as those of the ancient world, the Renaissance or the Gothic era. Although the roots of this craze were in the previous century it became increasingly important during this period, and was associated with trends such as the rediscovery of the past and developments in archaeology, while other trends were linked with national identities. Between Europe and the Arab world, a number of phenomena in the field of art and design mark the topic of revivalism from both sides of the Mediterranean: the rediscovery of the past of Egypt and Syria in the art of the Mamluks and the rediscovery of the art of Muslim Spain, and the adaptation of them both to the production of works of art.