Bust of bearded man wearing a turban, 3/4 profile towards the right 1582

Melchior Lorck created this diminutive woodcut, "Bust of bearded man wearing a turban," in the 16th century. The visual field is dominated by a tightly framed, three-quarter profile of a man, notable for the intricate detail of his substantial turban. Lorck's mastery is evident in the meticulous arrangement of lines that define form and texture. Notice how the parallel hatchings create a play of light and shadow, giving volume to the turban and depth to the man's features. This technique invites us to consider the underlying structure of representation itself—how simple lines can construct complex forms and convey nuanced expressions. The print engages with the semiotic codes of the time, presenting a figure marked as 'other' through his dress. Yet, by rendering him with such attention to detail, Lorck complicates this representation. He invites us to question fixed notions of identity and representation. Consider how this small, carefully constructed image participates in a broader discourse about cultural representation and the power of visual language to shape understanding.