Portret van de Tartaarse veldoverste Cham 1660 - 1700

This engraving, "Portret van de Tartaarse veldoverste Cham," was made in 1683 by an anonymous artist. It offers a window into the complex cultural dynamics of 17th-century Europe, when images of non-European figures served varied purposes. The depiction of the Tartar commander on horseback, spear in hand, presents a figure both imposing and exotic. The artist creates meaning through the visual codes of power such as military garb and weaponry. The image speaks to the geopolitical tensions of the time, when the Ottoman Empire and its allies, including the Tartars, posed a significant threat to European powers. Understanding the image fully requires delving into the historical context: the role of printmaking in disseminating information and shaping public opinion, and the complex relationship between Europe and the cultures it perceived as "other." Scholarly resources, like period maps and political pamphlets, can shed light on the way such images were used to promote national identity.