Twee figuren naast twee geknielde gevangenen, mogelijk te China 1668 - 1725

This anonymous 17th-century etching, housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a scene of captivity, likely set in China. Two figures kneel before two armed men, potentially their captors. The etching is characterized by intricate detail and a sense of dramatic tension. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and form, while the figures' expressions convey a mix of fear and resignation. The scene is further underscored by the presence of a large mountain in the background and a variety of smaller details, such as a bull and other figures, that suggest a narrative context. This etching offers a glimpse into the artist's interpretation of a historical event, likely drawing on contemporary reports and accounts of European encounters with China.