Gezicht op Mekka 1672

Gaspar Bouttats made this print of Mecca in Arabia, sometime in the late 17th century. It offers a fascinating glimpse into how Europeans perceived the Islamic world. Bouttats creates meaning through a combination of visual codes and cultural references. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects a growing European curiosity about different cultures, fuelled by expanding trade routes and colonial ambitions. Mecca, as the holiest city in Islam, held particular significance. The image captures the city's architectural grandeur but also exoticizes its inhabitants, showing caravans and religious ceremonies. It is worth noting the institutional context here: the print was likely produced for a European audience keen to learn about distant lands. Understanding this artwork involves considering the social conditions that shaped its production. Art historians often consult travel literature and historical accounts. Bouttats' print serves as a reminder that art is not made in a vacuum, but rather is contingent on social and institutional contexts.