Man met tulband 1656 - 1675

Anthony de Haen created this etching, "Man met tulband," sometime in the 17th century. The Dutch Golden Age saw a rise in the representation of non-European figures, reflecting the nation's expanding global trade and colonial ambitions. Here, we see a man of African descent adorned in what seems to be exotic attire: a turban and what might be construed as fine garments. It's crucial to consider how dress and presentation can both reflect and shape identity, especially for individuals from marginalized communities. During this era, representations of Black individuals by white artists were often filtered through a lens of otherness or exoticism. De Haen's etching, with its detailed rendering and thoughtful composition, invites us to consider the individual's presence and humanity. What does it mean to depict a person from a culture vastly different from the artist’s own, and how can these depictions challenge or reinforce existing social hierarchies? This work opens up discussions around the complexities of representation, identity, and the cultural exchanges taking place during a time of significant global transformation.