Capture of Two Galleys at Byserta 1628

Stefano della Bella created this print, "Capture of Two Galleys at Byserta," in the 17th century. It depicts a naval battle during a time of intense maritime conflict in the Mediterranean. Consider the power dynamics at play. The scene is set against the backdrop of the Ottoman Empire's expansion, with European powers vying for control of trade routes and territories. Della Bella, working under the patronage of the Medici family, presents a view that subtly reinforces the Grand Duchy of Tuscany's naval strength. This wasn't just about military might; it was about shaping a narrative of dominance and projecting power. It's interesting to think about whose stories get told in these grand depictions of battle and whose are erased. What of the captured sailors, the enslaved, and the countless others affected by these conflicts? While the print celebrates a victory, it also reminds us of the human cost of empire and the complex web of power, identity, and representation that art can both reflect and reinforce.