Stående figur, vendt mod højre, i kappe og turban. Bagved en stol. 1668 - 1671

This drawing, titled "Standing Figure, Facing Right, in Cape and Turban" was created by Karel van Mander III around 1670. It's a delicate rendering in pen and brown ink, with washes in gray and brown. The figure's exotic garb situates the work within a historical context marked by increased global trade and cultural exchange. The turban and cape, while not traditionally European, signal a fascination with the ‘Orient’ that was fashionable amongst the wealthy. Yet, this representation prompts us to consider the power dynamics inherent in such portrayals. Whose gaze are we adopting when we view this figure? Is it one of genuine curiosity, or does it perpetuate stereotypes? The soft rendering of the figure contrasts with the sharp, angular lines defining the chair behind, which creates an emotional tension. The cape, loosely draped, conveys both a sense of authority and vulnerability. What does it mean to represent identity through clothing, and how does this influence our perception of the individual?