An analysis of Mai ve Siyah as a serial illustrated novel in the Servet-i Fünun journal

Abstract

In this study, I discuss the visual innovations along with the progress of visuality on the basis of individual perspective and realist fiction’s focus on the individual’s visuality. Then I detail visuality’s and realist fiction’s individual approach considering the depictions in Mai ve Siyah such as hybrid ones that are in-between photograph and painting and expressionist ones shaped by the visions of the main character, Ahmet Cemil, along with a general understanding of the function depictions in the Servet-i Fünun journal. I also pay attention to how these depictions take place in Mai ve Siyah’s illustrations and relate these illustrations to realist fiction’s focus on the individual. In this context, since the artist’s style complexifies the illustrations, I consider Tiran Chrakian’s understanding of art, as well. (See Appendix A for an extended abstract.)