Wachtende oosterlingen op een kade 1644

Stefano della Bella created this drawing of ‘Waiting Orientals on a Quay’ with pen in the 17th century. This work offers a window into the early modern European fascination with, and often misrepresentation of, people from the East. During this period, increased trade and travel brought Europeans into more frequent contact with other cultures, yet these encounters were often framed by power dynamics and exoticizing gazes. Della Bella’s drawing captures the ambiguity and complexity of cross-cultural interactions. He represents these figures in a state of waiting, perhaps reflecting the liminal spaces of trade and cultural exchange. It's important to consider how the artist's own cultural background influenced his interpretation and presentation of these individuals. This piece serves as a reminder of the historical context in which cultural understanding was often shaped by unequal power relations. It asks us to reflect on how we interpret and represent others.