Portret van Hali Pascha 1590 - 1611

Hans Sibmacher created this engraving of Hali Pascha around 1602. It gives us a window into the complex relationships between Europe and the Ottoman Empire during the early modern period. Hali Pascha was an Ottoman commander. This print seems to commemorate his capture, referencing the 7th of June, 1602. The inscription "CAPTVS OFEN" indicates he was captured in Ofen, the German name for Buda, present-day Budapest. Consider the power dynamics at play, and the history of conflict and cultural exchange between these societies. This portrait is not just an image of an individual, but also a symbol of broader geopolitical struggles and cultural encounters. Prints like these served as both documentation and propaganda, shaping European perceptions of the Ottoman world. As you look, consider how images like these contribute to the construction of identity and otherness. This work invites us to reflect on the legacy of these historical encounters and the complex ways they continue to resonate in our world.