The Conjurer 1590

Editor: This engraving, "The Conjurer" by Theodor de Bry, shows a man mid-stride with his arms outstretched. I'm struck by his headdress, it almost looks like horns. What symbols do you recognize in this image? Curator: Notice how the figure’s pose echoes gestures found in classical oratory, yet his attire reflects the visual language used to portray Indigenous peoples during that era. Does this juxtaposition suggest a cultural translation, or perhaps a misinterpretation of power? Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn't considered the classical influence. It makes me wonder how much was observed versus invented in these depictions. Curator: Indeed. The image becomes a palimpsest, layering European ideals onto a new world. Each element—the headdress, the posture—becomes a signifier loaded with complex cultural baggage.