Pijprokende zwarte man in een lijst met ornamenten 1683 - 1783

This undated print by an anonymous artist, presents a stark contrast between its decorative frame and central figure, immediately drawing our attention. The detailed ornamental frame, a play of curling acanthus leaves and symbolic snakes, encloses a scene depicting a Black man smoking a pipe. The artist strategically employs the frame—traditionally a symbol of containment and order—to isolate and present the figure within. The snakes, often interpreted as symbols of transformation, flank the central image, while the palm tree at the base evokes a sense of exotic otherness. This juxtaposition destabilizes any singular reading, creating a tension between decoration and subject. The formal structure of the print highlights how cultural codes and power relations are visually constructed. Its intricate design invites us to consider not only what is depicted, but also how the act of framing shapes our perception and understanding. In essence, the print functions as a semiotic exercise, challenging fixed meanings and encouraging an ongoing interpretation of its historical and cultural significance.