People from Calicut, from The Triumphal Procession of Emperor Maximilian (Triumph Des Kaisers Maximilian I) 1883 - 1884

Hans Burgkmair created this print, "People from Calicut," as part of "The Triumphal Procession of Emperor Maximilian" in the early 16th century. The series showcases Maximilian's imperial power but it also reveals a great deal about the cultural biases of the time. Here, Burgkmair depicts people from Calicut, a coastal city in India, as exoticized figures in a staged procession. Consider how the artist uses visual cues – their clothing, weapons, and bare chests – to construct a sense of "otherness." This image was created in the context of early European exploration and colonialism. It reflects the prevalent attitudes of the time toward non-European cultures. It is important to consider the role of art institutions in perpetuating or challenging these attitudes. As historians, it is our job to critically examine such images, researching the historical context and questioning the power dynamics at play. By doing so, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, culture, and society.