Islamitische galeislaven aan weerszijden van een cartouche 1649

This print, by M. Schaep, depicts Islamic galley slaves on either side of a cartouche. It reflects a historical period marked by naval conflicts and the enslavement of individuals based on their religious and cultural identities. Consider the visual dynamics: the enslaved figures are positioned to frame a symbol of European power. How does this composition reinforce a narrative of dominance? The figures of the enslaved are stripped of their identity and reduced to symbols of subjugation. The print raises questions about the representation of power, the dehumanization inherent in the slave trade, and the narratives that art propagates. As you consider this artwork, reflect on how historical representations continue to shape contemporary perceptions of identity, race, and power.