Abstract

Historical dramas are a much-loved genre as audiences can immerse themselves in a time so far from their own. These television shows often portray history in an entertaining and at times educational manner. Despite their popularity, the majority of these shows often represent Europe as a fully White continent in the early modern period. It is only recently that historical dramas have adopted a more inclusive and diverse narrative. 

This article will analyse the historical dramas Versailles (2015–18) and The Musketeers (2014–16), how they portray ethnic minorities in seventeenth-century France and how this relates to historical evidence of the characters and events depicted. Interviews will inform the intentions that the directors, writers and cast members took with their portrayal of characters and storylines. Due to a lack of scholarship, this research is important in understanding the choices behind the style of ethnic minorities in historical dramas, as well as highlighting a diverse early modern Europe. 

This study will find that seventeenth-century France was an ethnically diverse country with Africans interacting with King Louis XIV, and how General Dumas, a Black General, inspired the portrayal of a mixed-raced character within The Musketeers. The discussion around both dramas will show two different ways in which ethnic minorities have been represented. The research will show that there is much scope to represent an inclusive Europe in early modern historical dramas through the findings of individuals.  

Keywords

Historical Drama, French History, Seventeenth Century France, History, Race, Early Modern History, TV shows, Diverse History

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