Bust of an Oriental with a Fur Hat 1625 - 1632

Jan Lievens made this etching, "Bust of an Oriental with a Fur Hat," sometime in the 17th century. During this time, the Dutch Republic was expanding its global trade networks, leading to increased encounters with, and representations of, people from different parts of the world. The term "Oriental" itself is a product of this era, reflecting a Western perspective on Asia and the Middle East, often imbued with stereotypes. Here, Lievens depicts a man in what appears to be "exotic" attire, likely based on limited encounters or second-hand accounts. The fur hat and robe become signifiers of otherness, playing into the European fascination with the "Orient". What does it mean to witness this depiction? Lievens invites us to contemplate the complexities of cultural exchange and representation, and to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in looking at someone marked as different.