Sja Selim c. 1675 - 1755

This miniature portrait of Sja Selim was created by Adrianus Canter Visscher, though the exact date remains unknown. It reflects the Dutch Republic’s fascination with exoticism and distant lands during the height of the Dutch Golden Age. This interest often led to the romanticization of foreign cultures, sometimes at the expense of accurate representation. Here, Selim, an Indian ruler, is depicted through a Western lens, blending elements of Mughal courtly style with European portraiture traditions. The artist employs a delicate brush and vibrant colors to capture Selim’s likeness. The portrait not only speaks to the interconnectedness of global trade and cultural exchange but also invites us to reflect on how identities are perceived across different cultural contexts. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of cross-cultural interactions and the biases inherent in representation.