Murat II rijgt een vredesdocument aan een lans tijdens de slag bij Varna 1784

Reinier Vinkeles made this print of Murat II during the battle of Varna. Vinkeles was a Dutch engraver working in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a time of great political upheaval and revolution. His images were made within a vibrant print culture and bought and sold on the open market. This print depicts the Ottoman Sultan Murat II displaying a peace document on a lance during the Battle of Varna in 1444. The Battle of Varna was a significant clash between the Ottoman Empire and a Christian coalition. What we must consider is how this image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations. Vinkeles never witnessed the battle and worked nearly 4 centuries later. The artist is less interested in historical accuracy, and more with making a statement. By presenting this scene, Vinkeles could be commenting on contemporary political events and debates about war, peace, and leadership during a period of revolution and conflict. By consulting historical sources, prints, and other visual materials from the period, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork.