Gezicht op de stad Galle in Sri Lanka 1676

This is an anonymous etching showing a view of the city of Galle in Sri Lanka. The image is of an important port during a time of increased European maritime power in the 17th and 18th centuries. The ships in the harbor represent not only trade and commerce, but also the projection of colonial power. The figures in the foreground, presumably local inhabitants, are dwarfed by the scale of the ships, suggesting the imbalance of power between colonizers and the colonized. The city itself, neatly arranged with rows of houses, conveys a sense of order and control, reflecting the colonial project's aim to reshape and dominate foreign lands. The scene evokes an emotional tension as the beauty of the landscape is juxtaposed with the underlying narrative of subjugation and exploitation. "Gezicht op de stad Galle in Sri Lanka" invites reflection on the historical forces that have shaped our world and their lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.