Three Turks and an Italian gentleman standing to right, men work on small boats in center, a fortress to left in the background, from 'Set of eight nautical landscapes' (Suite de huit Marines) 1639

"Three Turks and an Italian gentleman standing to right, men work on small boats in center, a fortress to left in the background, from 'Set of eight nautical landscapes'" is an etching made by Stefano della Bella in the 17th century. Della Bella worked as a printmaker and designer for the Medici court in Florence. This print gives us insight into the early modern relationship between Italy and the Ottoman Empire, which was marked by both conflict and commerce. The artist highlights cultural distinctions through dress, contrasting the elaborate turbans of the Turks with the Italian gentleman's more subdued attire. By depicting this encounter in a relatively calm and ordered scene, Della Bella invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of intercultural relations in the Mediterranean. The print also emphasizes the labor involved in maritime activities, as men are shown working on small boats, underscoring the economic importance of naval trade. It asks us to consider how class and cultural identities intersect.