Delacroix’s Sardanapalus visualized the Oriental despot myth before he visited the East

Evidence

The shaping role of the Wanderjahre is a recurrent feature in the history of Orientalism. Many of Goldziher’s and Wright’s insights were first formulated as a result of their early travels in the East. — Robert Irwin, For Lust of Knowing, 365 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Delacroix painted the East from imagination without ever traveling there; Delacroix depicted the Oriental despot as cruel, powerful, and sexually deviant; Orientalist painters invented imagery of Eastern despotism they never witnessed (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Orientalist painters invented imagery of Eastern despotism they never witnessed #exemplifies (0.90)
• Field travel to the East shaped major Orientalist insights #complicates (0.80) — Robert Irwin, For Lust of Knowing, 365