Feng Meng of the Han Dynasty 1702

This color print of Feng Meng of the Han Dynasty was made by Pieter Schenk, a Dutch artist, around the turn of the 18th century. It's a fascinating example of the early modern European engagement with Chinese culture. The image offers a glimpse into the domestic life of a Han Dynasty official, or so the Dutch artist imagined. The figure, presumably Feng Meng, is rendered with a degree of exoticism, reflecting a European fascination with the "Orient." But it's important to remember that this image doesn't necessarily tell us much about the Han Dynasty itself. Instead, it speaks to the social and cultural dynamics of 18th-century Europe, particularly the Netherlands, as it grappled with understanding distant lands through trade and exploration. Institutions like the Dutch East India Company played a crucial role in shaping these perceptions. To truly understand this print, we need to dig into the historical archives, exploring trade records, travelogues, and other sources to better understand the relationship between the Netherlands and China during Schenk's time.