Ontmoeting tussen de gouverneur van Pipely en de vloot uit Arakan 1676

This unsigned print, titled *Meeting between the Governor of Pipely and the Fleet from Arakan*, offers a glimpse into the complexities of 17th-century colonial encounters. The print depicts a governor on horseback greeting an incoming fleet. The power dynamics are palpable. The governor, an imposing figure, oversees the arrival of the fleet, which symbolizes both trade and potential subjugation. The figures in the foreground appear to be local inhabitants, caught between curiosity and apprehension. Their posture and placement suggest a people on the verge of being impacted by colonial forces. This image is not merely a depiction of a historical event; it is a reflection on the narratives of power, cultural exchange, and the often-unequal terms of engagement between different worlds. While the artist remains anonymous, this print invites us to reflect on the emotional and personal dimensions of colonialism, and to consider how such encounters continue to shape our world.