The Iconization and Mythologization of Byron's Life and Work in Nineteenth-Century Netherlands and Europe

Lord Byron is one of the most striking 19th century examples of an icon in the modern sense of the word. During his lifetime Byron was already well known far beyond the borders of his native land. News about his taboo breaking literary work and his likewise unconventional way of living spread rapidly across the European continent and far into the 19th century Byron and the main characters from his narrative poems remained models for the rebellious ‘romantic’ hero: a modern version of Milton’s fallen angel.

Much has been written about Byron’s work, life and reputation. All this interest makes “Byron” ideally suited for research into the historical development of an “icon as a cultural model”. The Dutch reception of Byron was entangled with the discussion about the ‘un-Dutch’ character of Romanticism. Paradoxically, there was also an appropriation of Byron and his work, resulting in a Christian ‘light’ version of the ‘Byronic hero’.