Twee Germaanse krijgers, figura I 1614 - 1616

This is "Two Germanic Warriors, figure I," an early 17th-century engraving by Nicolaes van Geelkercken. Created during a period of burgeoning European interest in classical antiquity and "exotic" cultures, this print offers a glimpse into how early modern Europeans imagined Germanic identity. The warriors are presented nude, save for rudimentary weapons and shields, embodying a mix of classical heroic nudity and the era’s fascination with so-called "primitive" peoples. This fusion reflects the complex dynamics of the time, where the construction of the "other" was deeply entangled with self-definition. How did van Geelkercken see his own identity and culture in relation to these figures? The engraving prompts us to consider the politics of representation, and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of identity. It serves as a stark reminder of how historical contexts mold our perceptions and shape our world.