Het paleis van de sultan van Marokko (tekstblad 4), 1640-1641 1646

Adriaen Matham created this text sheet, ‘Het paleis van de sultan van Marokko,’ sometime between 1640 and 1641. It offers a glimpse into the entangled histories of the Netherlands and Morocco during the 17th century. This sheet comes from a time marked by the rise of Dutch maritime power and increasing trade relations with North Africa. But the relationship between the two nations was complex, involving trade, diplomacy, and also conflict. The text reflects a European fascination with and, let’s be honest, misrepresentation of Moroccan culture and power. The Dutch, like other European powers, were keen to establish relationships with the sultanates of North Africa, driven by economic interests and strategic considerations. How do we interpret Matham’s work today, recognizing its place in a history of cultural exchange marked by power imbalances and the ever-present gaze of the colonizer? This text is not just a historical document; it's a reminder of the long, complex relationship between Europe and the African continent.