Man uit Ethiopië 1569

This print, called 'Man uit Ethiopië,' was made by Ferando Bertelli. The detailed lines create texture and pattern that define form. Notice how the etching technique captures the details of the Ethiopian man’s clothing, especially the intricate folds of his cloak and turban. The composition is structured around the figure, emphasizing his commanding presence through the contrast of light and shadow. The formal elements here are not merely decorative; they also communicate cultural and historical information. The clothing and weaponry depicted reflect specific cultural identities, engaging with early notions of anthropology through visual representation. Ultimately, Bertelli’s approach to representing the Ethiopian man is an exercise in semiotics, where the visual components signify more than just physical appearance. They denote status, origin, and perhaps even stereotypes, reflecting the complex interplay between art, culture, and identity in the early modern period.