Frontalt set turbanbærende soldat med udbredte arme, stående på en åben plads i en by; i h. hånd holder han en bue, i v. en pil; bag v. skulder et pilekogger, ved h. side en sabel 1582

Melchior Lorck created this small black and white woodcut of a turban-wearing soldier with outstretched arms sometime in the 16th century. Lorck, a Danish artist, traveled extensively in the Ottoman Empire. Here, Lorck offers viewers a glimpse into a world then largely unknown to many Europeans. The Ottoman soldier is depicted with dignity and respect, challenging the often demonizing portrayals common at the time. His stance is confident, his attire detailed, suggesting Lorck’s attempt to render the soldier’s identity accurately. The image also subtly references the cultural exchange happening between Europe and the Ottoman Empire, hinting at a complex relationship of conflict, curiosity, and mutual influence. The architecture in the background and the soldier’s weapons further contextualize the scene, grounding it in a specific time and place. This artwork serves as both a historical document and a reflection on cultural identity and representation during a period of significant global interaction.