Vrouw uit Tatarije 1620 - 1664

This engraving of a Tatar woman was created by Stefano della Bella in the 17th century. European artists of this time were deeply engaged in representing the world beyond their immediate borders, often relying on traveler's tales and earlier depictions. Here, the woman is depicted in elaborate traditional dress, complete with feathered headdress and a bow, suggesting both status and martial prowess. What's striking is how the image blends exoticism with a degree of idealization, reflecting European fascination with, and perhaps a misinterpretation of, Tatar culture. This representation carries the weight of colonial perceptions, where the identities of distant peoples are filtered through the lens of European expectations. The inscription below the figure situates "Tartary" geographically, but also frames it as a land of legend. It makes you wonder, what was lost in translation from lived experience to the printed image?