Vrouw uit Turkije te paard 1620 - 1664

This print, Vrouw uit Turkije te paard, was made by Stefano della Bella sometime in the 17th century. It’s an etching, a printmaking technique that relies on acid to bite into a metal plate, creating lines that will hold ink. The relatively small scale of this print speaks to its original purpose: likely a book illustration, intended for dissemination. The controlled precision of the etched lines shows both technical mastery, and the social context of skilled artisanship. Consider the labor involved, both physical and intellectual, in producing such an image. Prints like this were a key technology in early modern Europe, allowing images and ideas to circulate widely. By reproducing "Turkey" in multiple, Della Bella's print helped shape European perceptions of the East. Its flowing lines and ornate details reflect a specific aesthetic, and also speak to the power of mass production in shaping cultural understanding.