Deposition from the Cross (detail) 1528

Rosso Fiorentino painted this oil on panel Deposition. Observe the red turban. It is not merely a headdress but a symbol of orientalism prevalent in the Renaissance. The turban's presence can be traced back to the Crusades, where Europeans first encountered turbans. The motif then reappears frequently in Renaissance art to designate figures from the East, often associated with wealth, exoticism, and religious otherness. It is worth noting how, over time, the turban has been reassigned with both positive and negative attributes, reflecting the changing relationships between Europe and the East. Here, however, it appears not as a symbol of exotic allure but of solemn mourning. This juxtaposition forces a deep, subconscious emotional experience. It reminds us of the ever-shifting nature of cultural symbols and the layers of meaning they accumulate through history.