Peruanen in wanhoop gedurende een maansverduistering 1737

François Morellon La Cave created this print, “Peruvians in despair during a lunar eclipse,” likely sometime in the mid-18th century. At first glance, the image portrays a scene of chaos and fear amongst the Indigenous peoples of Peru during a lunar eclipse. But consider the context: this work was made during the height of European colonialism in the Americas. It reflects the European gaze upon the New World, showcasing both a sense of wonder and a biased interpretation of Indigenous cultures. The print depicts the Indigenous people in a state of frenzy. The print is not merely a depiction of a lunar eclipse; it is a commentary on the perceived ‘savagery’ of non-European peoples. The emotional impact of this image is complex, charged with colonial-era biases. It serves as a reminder of how cultural narratives can be shaped and misshaped through the lens of power and prejudice.