A Turkish man with a beard and turban with one long feather in front, turned three-quarters to the right, an oval composition, from 'Several heads in the Persian style' (Plusieurs têtes coiffées à la persienne) 1650

Stefano della Bella created this etching of a Turkish man as part of a series called ‘Several heads in the Persian style.’ Executed in Italy, it reflects a broader European fascination with the ‘Orient’ during the 17th century. The image speaks to the cultural exchange and the prevailing attitudes of the time. Visual codes, such as the turban and beard, signify the sitter’s cultural identity. This work was created during a period of expanding trade routes and diplomatic relations between Europe and the Ottoman Empire. The image may reflect the exoticism attributed to Turkish culture within European society. It is important to remember that the Ottomans represented both a trading partner and a military threat to the Italian city states during this period. By studying costume books, travel accounts, and diplomatic records from the era, we can gain insight into how Europeans perceived and represented other cultures. Art like this becomes a window into a complex interplay of power, representation, and cultural exchange.