Two Turques 17th-18th century

Curator: Here we have "Two Turques," an etching of anonymous origin held in the Harvard Art Museums. It's a small work, only about 8.5 centimeters square. Editor: My first impression is of caricature, almost like figures from a play. The meticulous lines give them a theatrical air. Curator: Indeed, the image participates in a long history of European fascination with, and often misrepresentation of, the "Orient," reflecting complex power dynamics and cultural fantasies. Editor: The turbans themselves are potent symbols. Beyond simply marking identity, they speak to status, religious affiliation, and a certain exoticism viewed through a European lens. Curator: Exactly. Prints like this circulated widely, shaping public perceptions and fueling both curiosity and prejudice. The seemingly simple image encodes a wealth of social and political information. Editor: Considering the attire, its weight, and how it covers the body, the image also has strong ties to ideas of wealth and the theatrical. Curator: A reminder that art can reveal as much about the society that produces it as the subject it depicts. Editor: Precisely. These Turks are more than just portraits; they're mirrors reflecting Europe's own self-image.