Portret van Assan Aga 1650 - 1670

This is Cornelis Meyssens’s engraving of Assan Aga, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The print offers a window into the complex dynamics between Europe and the Ottoman Empire. During the 17th century, there was increased European interest in depicting Ottoman figures, often shaped by political tensions and cultural fascination. Assan Aga, a high-ranking official in Aleppo, is portrayed here through a Western lens. The engraving highlights his status and power, yet also frames him as an adversary, reflecting the prevailing European view of the Ottoman Empire as both formidable and foreign. Meyssens’s work raises questions about representation and identity. How does the European gaze shape our understanding of non-European figures? What nuances are lost or distorted in translation? The emotional weight of this image lies in its subtle blend of admiration and antagonism, mirroring the historical complexities of cross-cultural encounters. The print thus serves as a potent reminder of the power dynamics inherent in portraiture and the lasting impact of historical narratives on contemporary perceptions.