To tyrkere i et landskab, den ene med et løveskind over skulderen 1600 - 1700

This small print, "Two Turks in a Landscape, one with a lion skin over his shoulder," was created by an anonymous artist. The image encapsulates a complex history of cultural encounters and the evolving European perception of the Ottoman Empire. The figures, identified as "Turks," stand as representatives of a culture that was both exoticized and feared in Europe. Note the figure adorned with a lion's skin, evoking a sense of untamed wildness, while the other stands calmly. It reflects the dualistic way in which Europeans often viewed non-European cultures, oscillating between fascination and trepidation. The artist, although anonymous, participates in the construction of identity. Were they seeking to perpetuate stereotypes, or perhaps challenge them? Either way, the print invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in cultural representation, and to question the narratives that shape our understanding of different people.