Steampunk is a lovely sub-genre of science fiction that combines the steampunk aesthetic of Victorian era history and fashion with modern technology and fantasy. K.W. Jeter coined the term in 1987 as a retro alternative to cyberpunk. It’s the steam powered tech of the Victorian era mixed with the era’s culture, art, architecture and fashion to create a world that’s just plain magic.
What is the Steampunk Genre
Steampunk’s roots are in the 19th century, the era of steam power and early industrialization. The steampunk movement, a vibrant subculture influenced by the Victorian Age, originated in 1970s science fiction and continues to thrive through events, markets, and festivals. Jules Verne’s novels like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea are often considered steampunk precursors, but since they were written in the 19th century they are classified as science fiction not steampunk. It’s said that steampunk was also influenced by the fictional works of Mary Shelley and H.G. Wells who wrote science fiction romances in the late 1800s.
Steampunk’s Rise
Today, the term steampunk has gone beyond its literary roots and is a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Steampunk culture is a vibrant subgenre that encompasses various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, video games, fashion, art, and music. For many, it’s not just a genre but a worldview that combines Victorian optimism with modern creativity and self-reliance.
Steampunk Icons
The TV series The Wild Wild West and its film are steampunk in a nutshell. Two secret agents in the 1870s using anachronistic gadgets to fight their enemies. These works are filled with imaginative and fantastical steampunk contraptions, such as airships and other innovative machines inspired by Victorian-era inventions. Alan Moore’s comic book series The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, later a Hollywood film, is steampunk incarnate. Set in an imaginary Victorian era it brings together characters from 19th century literature like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Captain Nemo and the Invisible Man to protect Victorian England from fantastical threats.
The Sherlock Holmes movies with their alternate British Empire setting and mysticism and retro futuristic gadgets are steampunk in popular culture. Video games have also jumped on the steampunk bandwagon, BioShock Infinite (2013) is a great example. Set in 1912 in a floating, anachronistic city it has steampunk outfits, airships, dirigibles, automatons and steam powered machinery. It’s one of the best examples of the genre.
History of the Steampunk Genre
The steampunk genre has its roots firmly planted in the 19th century, specifically during the Victorian era. Although the term “steampunk” was first coined in 1987 by American writer Kevin Jeter, the concept has been around for much longer. Steampunk draws heavy inspiration from the works of visionary authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, who penned tales of futuristic technologies and societies during the 19th century.
The genre began to take shape in the 1970s, with pioneering authors such as Michael Moorcock and James Blaylock crafting stories that seamlessly blended science fiction and fantasy elements within a Victorian-era setting. The 1980s and 1990s saw a surge in the genre’s popularity, thanks to seminal works like “The Difference Engine” by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, and “The Anubis Gates” by Tim Powers.
Today, steampunk is a thriving genre with a dedicated community of fans and creators. It has inspired countless works of fiction, art, and music, evolving into a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate and inspire.
Steampunk Victorian Era Art
Steampunk Victorian era art has never been so easy with AI. Prompt engineering, the process of crafting specific text prompts to guide the AI to generate the desired image is key. Clear identification of the main subject, location, color scheme and style and specifying steampunk technology, including retro-futuristic design elements like clockwork mechanisms and 19th century industrial steam powered machinery, will make the generated images better and more detailed.
Steampunk Styles
Steampunk art is all over the place:
Industrial Steampunk: Focuses on machinery, factories, gears and cogs.
Romantic Steampunk: The Victorian fantasy side, fashion, beauty and elegance.
Explorer Steampunk: Adventure and discovery.
Post-apocalyptic Steampunk: A future society rebuilt with steam power after a collapse.
Victorian Steampunk: A subculture heavily influenced by the aesthetics and innovations of 19th century Victorian Britain. It emphasizes traditional Victorian fashion elements, steam-powered technology, and the imaginative fusion of historical design with modern sensibilities, creating an alternative world where steam technology prevails.
Steampunk Aesthetics
Steampunk aesthetics are a captivating blend of industrial grit and Victorian elegance. Steampunk fashion is instantly recognizable, featuring iconic elements such as goggles, top hats, corsets, frilly skirts, and waistcoats. The art and design within the steampunk genre often showcase intricate gadgets, kinetic sculptures, and other industrial elements that evoke a sense of wonder and innovation.
Often described as “Victorian science fiction” or “science fiction with a Victorian twist,” steampunk aesthetics draw heavily from the Victorian era while incorporating imaginative elements of science fiction and fantasy. This unique blend creates a sense of nostalgia and fascination with the past, while also pushing the boundaries of creativity and design.
Steampunk music is equally eclectic, often combining elements from various genres, including ragtime, jazz, rock, and country. This fusion of styles mirrors the genre’s overall aesthetic, creating a rich and diverse cultural tapestry that continues to evolve and inspire.
How to Create Steampunk Art
1. Choose an AI Art Generator
Leonardo AI, Midjourney and Nightcafe AI are good options. Leonardo AI, is recommended for its user friendly interface, free access, fine tuned models and advanced features like Guidance Control and Elements.
2. Write Your Prompt
A good prompt is key. For example:
"Masterpiece, fantasy splash art of a steam-punk woman with top hat, Victorian era, mystical steam-punk aesthetic, perfect face and iris, full body, Fantasy, Hyperrealism, Film Photography, concept art portrait by Greg Rutkowski, Anna Dittmann, Artstation, 8k, sharp focus, (masterpiece), top quality art, RTX, cinematic, ultra digitality, Dramatic, ((Expansive)), light particles, strong colors"
Results:
3. Use Models and Elements for Finetuning
With Leonardo AI you can enhance your images by choosing different art styles and using the Elements feature. For example using the Leonardo Anime XL model will make your steampunk characters and scenes look way better.
The Influence of Victorian Era Culture
The Victorian era has had a profound influence on the development of the steampunk genre. Steampunk creators often draw inspiration from the culture, literature, and technology of the Victorian era, a time of great change and innovation driven by the Industrial Revolution.
Incorporating elements of Victorian culture, steampunk stories frequently feature steam-powered technology, the importance of social class, and the evolving role of women in society. These narratives often take place in alternate versions of the Victorian era, where steam-powered technology has either created a utopian or dystopian society.
By reimagining the Victorian era through the lens of steampunk, creators can explore the complexities and contradictions of the time, offering a unique perspective on history and its impact on modern society.
Steampunk in Popular Culture
Steampunk has firmly established itself as a popular cultural phenomenon, with a dedicated community of fans and creators. The genre has inspired a wealth of fiction, art, and music, becoming a staple of popular culture.
Steampunk elements can be found in various forms of media, including films, television shows, video games, and books. Iconic examples include the TV series “The Wild Wild West,” the film adaptation of “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” and the video game “BioShock Infinite.” These works showcase the genre’s distinctive blend of Victorian aesthetics and imaginative technology.
Steampunk-inspired fashion and art have also gained popularity, with many people incorporating steampunk elements into their everyday lives. Conventions and festivals celebrating the genre provide a space for fans to come together, share their creations, and immerse themselves in the steampunk world.
Steampunk Posters: Decorate Your Space
Wall art is a great way to add some personality to your space. Whether you’re a steampunk art fan, Victorian style or just love vintage posters the right pieces will transform your walls and reflect your style. At AI Art Kingdom we know the power of art prints to decorate any room.
Quality and Variety at AI Art Kingdom
Unbeatable Quality
At AI Art Kingdom we care about quality. All our posters are printed in-house on heavyweight matte and satin paper so each print looks amazing and will last for years.
Custom Sizes
We know no two spaces are the same so we offer our prints in various sizes. Whether you need a small piece to add to your gallery wall or a big poster to be a statement piece we’ve got you covered.
Buy with Confidence
Over 20,000 combined sales and 10 years of experience AI Art Kingdom guarantees top quality posters. Each piece is carefully rolled and packed in thick cardboard tubes so they arrive at your doorstep in perfect condition.
The Steampunk Fan’s Paradise
Steampunk fans love the genre for its mix of history and imagination, deeply rooted in the steampunk subculture that spans various forms of media like television shows and films. The aesthetic, with steam powered machinery and Victorian fashion, is nostalgic and wondrous. It’s a world where modern technology is reimagined through the lens of 19th century innovation, a fascinating contrast that’s captivating and inspiring.
Living the Steampunk Life
For many the steampunk genre is more than just an art style; it’s a lifestyle. From fashion and accessories to home decor and gadgets steampunk influences many creative expressions. The genre’s focus on craftsmanship and individuality appeals to those who love the beauty of handmade and bespoke items and the ingenuity of retrofuturistic designs.
Steampunk Fashion
Steampunk fashion is a big part of the genre, combining Victorian elegance with industrial elements. Top hats, corsets, waistcoats, goggles and brass accessories are common features, creating a unique and striking look. The mix of vintage and modern means endless creativity and personalisation, steampunk fashion is a colourful and dynamic part of the culture.
Steampunk Events and Meetups
Steampunk fans often get together at conventions, fairs and events to celebrate their shared love. These events are a display of elaborate costumes, innovative gadgets and artistic creations. A place for fans to meet, share ideas and get immersed in the steampunk world.
Conclusion
Steampunk Victorian era art and the steampunk style in general is a treasure trove of history, creativity and modern technology. Whether you’re into steampunk through literature, films, video games or fashion the genre is a unique and exciting experience. With AI tools now available to create your own steampunk designs you can bring your imagination to life.
If you'd like to know more you can head over to AIArtKingdom.com for a curated collection of today's most popular, most liked AI artwork from across the internet. Plus explore an extensive array of AI tools, complemented by comprehensive guides and reviews, on our AI blog.
