Kamelen 1636 - 1705

This print titled, Kamelen, or Camels, was made by an anonymous artist using etching. The image presents a camel standing prominently in the foreground, with additional camels and human figures populating a landscape that includes pyramids. This scene invites us to consider the historical and cultural contexts of the early modern period, when encounters between Europeans and the non-European world were increasingly common, and the "Orient" was a popular trope in art and literature. The depiction of the camel, and the orientalist figures, might reinforce a narrative of European dominance and control. But what if we look at this not as a depiction of the exotic "other", but as a reflection of the anxieties and uncertainties of a rapidly changing world? Consider the emotional experience of encountering the unknown, and the artist's attempt to grapple with the complexities of cultural exchange. This image serves as a reminder of the power of representation, and the importance of critically examining the stories we tell ourselves about history, identity, and the human experience.