Man uit Perzië 1562

This is François Desprez's "Man uit Perzië," a small woodcut made sometime between 1500 and 1600. At first glance, the vertical composition, encased in a decorative border, presents a standing figure, meticulously rendered with hatching and cross-hatching. Desprez's strategic use of line is striking. The stark contrast between light and shadow models the figure and creates texture, from the folds of the robe to the beard. The figure is positioned almost symmetrically, with the staff on the left balanced by what he holds in his right hand. This symmetry provides a sense of order. Yet, the asymmetry of the clothing disrupts this order, suggesting a tension between representation and reality. This piece invites us to reflect on how cultural identities are constructed and communicated through visual means. What does it mean to represent the "other," and how do these representations shape perceptions and power dynamics?