Portret van Moulay al-Rashid, sultan van Marokko 1660

This engraving portrays Moulay al-Rashid, Sultan of Morocco, and was created around 1660 by Adriaen Lommelin. Note the turban, a prominent symbol of power and status in Islamic cultures, adorned with a jewel. This headdress is not merely decorative; it signifies authority and religious understanding. The turban’s presence here echoes across centuries and continents, reminiscent of similar headdresses worn by figures of authority in ancient Persia and the Ottoman Empire. It reappears in Renaissance paintings, often adapted, reflecting both reverence and exoticism. Over time, the turban has transformed, representing diverse cultural identities and political allegiances. Consider, too, the emotional weight carried by this image, a force that works on our subconscious. It speaks of exoticism, power, and the enduring human quest for identity. The image acts as a reminder of our shared history and the cyclical nature of symbols.