Rider with a flask around his neck, profile towards the right; a sword at his right side and baggage in front of him, draped across the saddle; to the right, in the background, a pyramid 1582

Melchior Lorck created this small yet captivating engraving of a rider with a flask in the 16th century. Lorck, a Danish artist, was an observant traveler during a time of growing cultural exchange between Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Here, the rider, adorned with what appears to be Ottoman dress, is seen in profile against the backdrop of a pyramid. Consider the complex power dynamics at play. What does it mean for a European artist to represent an Ottoman figure? Is it an attempt at an accurate portrayal, or does it reflect European fantasies and projections? The presence of the pyramid, a symbol of ancient power, further complicates the narrative. It invites us to reflect on the layers of history and identity that converge in this image, and it challenges us to consider how cultural encounters shape our understanding of ourselves and others.