Kapitein uit Schotland 1562

François Desprez made this print, ‘Captain from Scotland’, using engraving in the 16th century. It encapsulates a specific moment in the cultural history of Early Modern Europe. The image presents a Scottish captain, yet the title describes him as ‘savage.’ This tension reveals the prejudices and cultural assumptions of the time. Made in France, this work likely reflects the complex relationship between France, Scotland, and England. Visual codes such as the captain's attire, weaponry, and even his stance, would have been read by contemporary audiences as signifiers of Scottish identity. But through the addition of the word 'sauvage' the work seems to comment on perceptions of Scottish culture, possibly playing into stereotypes. Historical sources, such as period travel accounts, political pamphlets, and even early forms of journalism, would help us to understand the artist’s intentions. By digging deeper into the social context, we come to understand this artwork as more than just an image; it’s a window into the past and a testament to how cultural biases can shape artistic representation.