Verkoper van in Buda (Boedapest) veroverde Turkse tulbanden 1686 - 1718

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli created this print, "Seller of Turkish Turbans Captured in Buda", using etching techniques. Etching is an intaglio printmaking method, where lines are incised into a metal plate using acid. The plate is covered with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then the artist scratches away the ground to expose the metal. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed metal is etched, creating recessed lines that hold ink. Mitelli was known for his detailed and often humorous depictions of everyday life and street vendors. The image captures a scene of post-siege commerce, where Ottoman turbans are sold as curiosities. These textiles, transformed into commodities, reflect a broader story of cultural exchange, conflict, and the commodification of exotic goods. The print acts as a historical document, inviting reflection on the material culture and social dynamics of the 17th century.