Twee soldaten in Perzische dracht 1584

This print of two soldiers in Persian clothing was created by Jost Amman in the late 16th century. It's made by incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The density of lines creates shading and detail, and the process allows for multiple identical images to be printed, which is crucial. Consider the context: printing technology was relatively new at this time, transforming how information circulated in Europe. Amman was one of the most prolific artists of his era because the printmaking medium allowed for the mass production of images. The way Amman has described their garments gives us an insight into period European perceptions of Persian dress. Note the textures, the patterns, and the exoticized details, like the feathered headdresses. By choosing to depict the two soldiers, Amman also reflects his own culture's preoccupation with military power and expanding global trade. In short, this isn't just a picture. It's a product of its time, embedded with technological, social, and economic implications.