Illustration til Adam Olearius, “Persianischer Rosenthal von einem Sinnreichen Poeten Schich Saadi […]”, Schleswig 1660 1660

Editor: Here we have a print from 1660, an illustration attributed to J. Muller for Adam Olearius's book about Persia. It depicts a landscape with figures, seemingly from a story. The use of line is just incredible! I am drawn in, but what story is being told here? What do you see in this piece? Curator: This print reflects the 17th-century European fascination with the "Orient," specifically Persia. The book it illustrates, and this image within it, helped to shape European perceptions of Persian culture. Note the detailed landscape, contrasted with the stylized figures; this reflects a tension between observed reality and constructed exoticism. Consider how this image, disseminated through print, would have solidified certain stereotypes and narratives for its European audience. Who do you think might have been commissioning works like this at the time and what political influences may have affected it? Editor: So it’s not just about illustrating a story, but about shaping an entire worldview! I imagine wealthy patrons, perhaps involved in trade with Persia, commissioned such works, hoping to solidify a certain narrative. Curator: Precisely. The choice of what to depict, how to depict it, and even the act of publishing it, becomes a political statement, influencing public perception and reinforcing power structures. This print is more than just an image; it’s an artifact embedded within a network of cultural exchange and political influence. Editor: That is so interesting. I came expecting art, and I’m leaving with a lesson in history, propaganda, and political agendas! Thanks for untangling this one for me. Curator: It’s a pleasure. Seeing art as an instrument of culture helps unveil hidden power dynamics in our global understanding.