Man met oosters hoofddeksel c. 1936

Cornelis Vreedenburgh sketched this man with an ‘Eastern’ headdress on paper, but the exact date remains unknown. The term "Eastern" carries historical baggage from European colonialism. It reflects a Western perspective that lumps together diverse cultures from Asia and the Middle East, often exoticizing them. The choice of attire can create an "Orientalist" image, reinforcing stereotypes. Vreedenburgh lived through a period of increasing global interaction. Colonial exhibitions, for example, were popular and would display cultural artifacts alongside people for entertainment. Art historians like myself play a crucial role here. By researching Vreedenburgh's life, travels, and social context, we can piece together the story behind this seemingly simple sketch. We consider how the artist's cultural background and the broader societal attitudes towards the "Orient" might have influenced his work. This helps us understand the sketch not just as a portrait, but as a reflection of a particular moment in history.