Tas in een plat, rechthoekigmodel, van rood fluweel waarop borduursel in goud- en zilverdraad het opschrift 'Francois Louis Vander Wiellen' en 'Constantinopoli 1696' 1696

This flat, rectangular bag of red velvet is adorned with embroidery in gold and silver thread, bearing the inscriptions "Francois Louis Vander Wiellen" and "Constantinopoli 1696." Notice the intricate, symmetrical arrangement of vegetal motifs. Each leaf and stem is meticulously rendered, contributing to an overall impression of opulence and formality. The texture of the velvet provides a rich, tactile contrast to the gleaming metallic threads, which catch and reflect light in a dazzling display. The bag functions as a semiotic object, conveying messages about its owner's status, identity, and cultural affiliations. In this context, the inscriptions, combined with the lavish materials and skilled craftsmanship, speak to the owner’s wealth, education, and connections to both European and Ottoman societies. Consider how the object operates as a cultural artifact, reflecting the exchange of goods, ideas, and artistic styles between different parts of the world during this period. The elaborate design serves to embody the complexities of cultural encounter and the dynamics of identity formation in a globalized world.