Perugina 1598

Christoph Krieger created this engraving titled “Perugina.” The print depicts a woman from Perugia, Italy, and invites us to consider the complexities of identity and representation. During the time this work was made, prints like these played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of different cultures and peoples. Here, the woman is adorned in what the artist likely perceived as traditional Perugian attire. Yet, it's important to reflect on whose gaze is framing this portrayal and what cultural assumptions are at play. How might the woman herself have viewed this representation? What does it mean to have your identity mediated and circulated through the lens of another? This image serves as a reminder of the power dynamics inherent in representation and the importance of critically examining the stories we tell about one another. It encourages us to consider the multiple layers of identity and the ways in which they are constructed and perceived.