Islamitische galeislaven dragen een zeil 1647

"Islamitische galeislaven dragen een zeil" (Islamic galley slaves carry a sail) is an etching by Cornelis de Wael, a Dutch Golden Age artist known for his maritime scenes. Created in 1647, the small print depicts a group of bound men, likely Muslim slaves, forced to carry a sail while being watched by a European guard. The scene's stark realism highlights the brutal realities of slavery during this period. De Wael's use of detail and perspective adds a sense of immediacy to the narrative, making it a powerful commentary on the human cost of European expansion. The print's small size, 113 mm by 147 mm, further emphasizes the intimate nature of the depiction, inviting viewers to contemplate the plight of those caught in the crosshairs of history.