Gezicht op Bethlehem 1672

This is Gaspar Bouttats's "View of Bethlehem," an etching made in the late 17th century. At a time when Europe was solidifying its colonial power, images like this served as cultural documents, shaping European perceptions of the 'Orient.' Bouttats presents Bethlehem through a lens that’s both geographical and ideological. He labels key sites, blending religious significance with cartographic precision; yet, the romanticized landscape and biblical references cater to European sensibilities, reinforcing a sense of cultural and religious superiority. The depiction flattens the complexities of a region with a diverse population into a single, picturesque frame. It is as much about constructing an idea of Bethlehem as it is about representing the place itself. By focusing on the emotional and spiritual significance of Bethlehem for a European audience, Bouttats also participates in a long tradition of Western artists reimagining foreign lands through their own cultural frameworks. The image becomes a powerful tool for shaping identity, reinforcing a narrative in which the 'East' is viewed through a Western gaze.