Garden Empire or the Sublime Politics of the Chinese-Gothic Style

Eighteenth-century European gardens, particularly those incorporating Chinese-Gothic architectural elements, served as political symbols reflecting royal power and governance ideals. The study reveals that the 'Chinese-Gothic style,' popularized by architect Sir William Chambers, was not merely an aesthetic choice but a deliberate representation of empire and sublimity, contrasting with the strict geometric designs of French Renaissance gardens. This style was contentious, as evidenced by contemporary critiques such as William Mason's satirical poem, which highlighted its discordant elements. The research explores how garden design in sites like Kew Gardens (London) and Dessau-Wörlitz (Germany) mirrored broader political ideologies, with the irregular 'landscape garden' style being championed as a reflection of constitutional governance over despotic rule.

Zhang, C. (2018). Garden Empire or the Sublime Politics of the Chinese-Gothic Style. Goethe Yearbook, 25(1), 77–96. https://doi.org/10.1353/gyr.2018.0004