Ruitergevecht c. 1745 - 1762

Jean Moyreau made this print depicting a cavalry battle using etching. In this period, prints like this one served as a vital means of circulating images and ideas, acting as a kind of early mass media. This print, titled 'Defeat of the Saracens,' likely references historical conflicts, like the Crusades, framing them through a contemporary lens. Consider the cultural context of the time, particularly the pervasive Orientalism in Europe. This image exoticizes and demonizes the 'Saracens,' reflecting prevailing attitudes and power dynamics of the era. The print visually encodes a narrative of European triumph over the 'Other,' reinforcing existing social and political hierarchies. To fully understand this work, we might consult historical texts, political cartoons, and other visual materials from the period. By situating the artwork within its original social and institutional context, we can better understand its role in shaping and reflecting cultural attitudes.