Narsingue, from "Jeu de la Géographie" 1644

Stefano della Bella created this print called "Narsingue, from Jeu de la Géographie." It's an intriguing depiction of an Indian figure, made during a time when Europe's understanding of the world was expanding through trade and colonization. This image is part of a series of playing cards. It offers a glimpse into how different cultures were perceived and represented through a European lens. Note the details of the figure's clothing and adornments. Do they accurately reflect Indian attire? Or are they a product of European imagination and projection? The text on the card refers to the region of Narsingue in India, highlighting its fertility and listing various cities. Reflect on the power dynamics at play. What does it mean to map and name places from a distance? How does this act of representation shape our understanding of different regions and their people? Consider this print as a window into the complex history of cultural exchange and representation during the early modern period.