Sketching the Nile: Elizabeth Butler's Artistic Representations of Egypt, 1885-1893

Annie Shelley

doi:10.26182/0xm7-3s32

Sketching the Nile: Elizabeth Butler's Artistic Representations of Egypt, 1885-1893

Annie Shelley

UWA Design School

Research output: Thesis › Doctoral Thesis

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Abstract

This thesis explores the sketched, artistic representations of colonial Egypt by Victorian artist Elizabeth Butler (nee Thompson, 1846-1933). Despite their Orientalist characteristics, the thesis argues that many of Butler's artistic works allude to anti-imperial thinking. Rather than simply reinforcing existing hierarchical structures, her sketches infer empathy for the Egyptian people, question the historicised representation of Egypt and self-reflexively engage with Britain's supposed 'civilising' mission. When examined within the context of Victorian visual culture, Butler's nuanced, ambiguous representations of Egyptian markets, conscription scenes and colonial life reveal her subtle critique of the imperial project and her sympathy with anti-imperial sentiment.

Original language	English
Qualification	Doctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution	The University of Western Australia
Supervisors/Advisors	Ball, Clarissa, Supervisor Brink, Emily, Supervisor
Thesis sponsors	Australian Government Research Training Program
Award date	16 Jul 2020
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.26182/0xm7-3s32
Publication status	Unpublished - 2020

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Embargoed from 14/08/2020 to 01/07/2022. Made publicly available on 01/07/2022.

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10.26182/0xm7-3s32

THESIS - DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - SHELLEY, Anne Lucy - 2020
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Cite this

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Sketching the Nile: Elizabeth Butler's Artistic Representations of Egypt, 1885-1893

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