Sultanens kok 1575

"Sultanens kok" is a 1575 woodcut by Melchior Lorck, a Danish artist who was active in the 16th century. The artwork depicts a figure in Ottoman dress, a "cook for the Sultan," holding a cooked human head. This image is a visual representation of the brutality of the Ottoman Empire. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of war and the power of the Sultan. The detailed depiction of the figure’s clothing and the city behind him suggests that the artwork is a powerful social commentary.