Stoet olifanten en figuren bij een heerser 1676

This print, "Procession of elephants and figures before a ruler," was created by an anonymous artist. It presents a series of scenes depicting a ruler, his entourage, and possibly a military conflict. Images such as these were vital tools for European audiences to conceptualize distant lands and cultures during a time of burgeoning colonial expansion. Visual codes, such as the prominent display of elephants – symbols of power and exoticism – along with the prostration of figures before the ruler, construct a narrative of opulence and hierarchical social order. The inclusion of a naval battle in the background may allude to contemporary conflicts or conquests. As historians, our understanding of this artwork hinges on further investigation, examining travelogues, colonial documents, and studies of material culture. This print serves not just as a depiction, but as a reflection of Europe’s evolving relationship with the world, shaped by trade, exploration, and the ever-present drive for power.