Illustration til Adam Olearius, “Persianischer Rosenthal von einem Sinnreichen Poeten Schich Saadi […]”, Schleswig 1660 1660

This is an illustration made around 1660 in Schleswig by J. Muller, created to accompany Adam Olearius's translation of Persian poetry. The technique used here is engraving, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you'll see how the crisp, precise lines define the scene, from the chaotic battle raging in the background to the elaborate costumes of the figures in the foreground. Engraving demands meticulous skill and patience, as each line must be carefully carved by hand. The act of engraving, a laborious and time-consuming process, elevates the image beyond mere illustration; it becomes a testament to the value placed on artistry and craftsmanship in the production of knowledge. The contrast between the detailed foreground and the frenzied background speaks volumes about the social context in which this image was made. The image highlights the labor and expertise required to create the printing plate, contrasting with the chaotic scene it represents. This contrast invites us to consider the relationship between artistic production, cultural exchange, and the wider world of trade, labor and power.