Chinoiserie: Exploring 18th and 19th Century Cultural Exchange in European Design and Music

This exhibition explores the 'Chinoiserie' phenomenon of the 18th and 19th centuries, examining how Western societies developed stereotypical images of Eastern civilizations based on travelogues and luxury imports. It showcases the influence of these exoticized perceptions on design, music, and societal thinking of the time.

The exhibition 'Chinoiserie – droombeeld of opmaat tot Revolutie?' at the Muziek Museum Zutphen delves into the cultural exchange and stereotyping that characterized the 18th and 19th centuries. It highlights how idealized images of China, Japan, the Ottoman Empire, and African kingdoms, often born from traveler's tales rather than direct experience, permeated Western art and music. Visitors can expect to see examples of how these exotic influences manifested in interior design, such as stylized chinoiserie rooms and Turkish tents, and in musical compositions, with instruments like fortepianos adorned with Janissary bells and drums. The exhibition frames 'Chinoiserie' not just as an aesthetic trend, but as a reflection of societal perceptions and a potential escape from growing social disparities. It questions how we view these cultural representations today, considering their historical context and potential baggage. The exhibition also touches upon the complex relationship between Western societies and the 'other,' and whether these romanticized visions offered a genuine appreciation or a superficial fantasy, with dramatic societal shifts like the French Revolution serving as a backdrop to these evolving perspectives.

Information about the wandelconcert and ticket sales for Marie Antoinette can be found via a provided link. The museum is exclusively open for music event visitors on May 25 and 26, 2019. General exhibition viewing is available from May 29 to September 15, 2019.