The King of Cambodia standing with a sceptre in his right hand 1665 - 1675

This engraving, made by an anonymous artist, depicts the King of Cambodia and opens a window onto 17th-century European perceptions of Southeast Asia. The image creates meaning through a combination of visual codes and cultural references that reflect the historical associations of the time. Notice how the King is adorned in what appears to be a fur hat and cape, articles of clothing hardly suited for Cambodia's tropical climate. The inclusion of such items reveals more about European expectations and fantasies than about Cambodian reality. Engravings like this one served a public role, shaping European understanding of distant lands and peoples. Historical sources, such as travel logs, commercial records, and diplomatic correspondence, help us to understand the social and institutional contexts in which such images were produced and consumed. By examining these resources, we gain insight into the complex interplay of power, knowledge, and representation that shaped the early modern world.