Franse troepen verslaan het Turkse leger in Hongarije 1752

Jacques Nicolas Tardieu created this print titled 'French troops defeat the Turkish army in Hungary' sometime between 1718 and 1795. It offers us a glimpse into the complex dynamics of 18th-century European power struggles and cultural biases. The scene depicts the French military triumphing over the Turkish army, set against the backdrop of Hungary, illustrating not just a military victory, but also a narrative of cultural and religious dominance. These historical clashes were often framed as conflicts between Christianity and Islam, deeply influencing European identity. Note how the print uses classical allegories, like cherubic figures, to glorify the French army, constructing a narrative that favors Western European powers while reinforcing stereotypes about the 'Orient.' This was a period marked by intense colonialism and the construction of an 'us' versus 'them' mentality. The print reflects the emotional investment in these power dynamics. It encapsulates pride in military achievements, and also, the justification of imperial ambitions.