Two Sinhalese tillers 1662

"Two Sinhalese tillers" is a graphite drawing by Esaias Boursse, created in 1662. The work depicts two men, both bare-chested, with one holding a staff in their left hand. The drawing is likely an ethnographic study of the indigenous people of Sri Lanka, demonstrating Boursse's interest in documenting diverse cultures. The artwork, measuring 148mm by 196mm, provides a glimpse into 17th-century European perceptions of non-European peoples. It highlights the growing interest in scientific observation and the desire to understand the world's diverse populations.