Ruitergevecht met Turken 1600 - 1640

Johann Wilhelm Baur made this pen and brown ink drawing of a cavalry battle with Turks sometime in the first half of the 17th century. Depicting a clash between Christian and Ottoman forces, the image participates in a broader European visual culture that often represented the Ottoman Empire as a threatening "other." Such depictions gained traction during a period of prolonged conflict between the Ottomans and various European powers. By visually emphasizing the exoticism of the Ottomans through their clothing and weaponry, Baur's drawing contributes to a narrative that would have served particular political interests. The production and circulation of similar images reinforced Europe's cultural and political identity in opposition to a perceived external threat. Understanding this historical and cultural context allows us to move beyond the simple aesthetic appreciation of the artwork. Instead we can consider the social function of art, and how visual representation can shape our understanding of historical events and cultural differences.