Portret van Tun-Min 1642 - 1678

Nicolas de Larmessin I created this engraving, titled 'Portret van Tun-Min', in the 17th century. The artwork is a window into the cross-cultural encounters of the period, reflecting Europe's fascination with the Far East. The print depicts Tun-Min, identified in the inscription as the "Roy de la Chine". This was a period marked by significant trade and diplomatic exchanges between Europe and China, often shaped by colonial ambitions and cultural misunderstandings. Larmessin’s portrayal is influenced by the European perception of Asian rulers, blending elements of genuine observation with exoticized representations. The depiction includes elements of Chinese dress and symbols of power but filtered through a European artistic lens. This portrait offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of identity, representation, and cultural exchange that defined early interactions between the East and West. It invites us to reflect on how cultural identities are constructed, negotiated, and sometimes distorted in the process of cross-cultural representation.