Vrouw uit Libië 1620 - 1664

Editor: Here we have Stefano della Bella’s "Vrouw uit Libië," a print dating sometime between 1620 and 1664. I'm immediately struck by the figure's gaze and somewhat theatrical presentation. The detailed rendering in engraving is captivating. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, yes. It's like encountering a distant cousin in an old family album, isn't it? This isn’t merely a depiction; it's a performance of "Libya," imagined through a European lens. The details are so wonderfully, exotically wrong – that elaborate headdress, the stylized drapery. What stories might that choice of attire be whispering, do you think? And that spear… It's more like a theatrical prop than a weapon, don’t you agree? Editor: I think the spear contributes to the theatrical feel, portraying a certain power that's also ornamental. What is also the purpose of showing text? Curator: Excellent point! The text roots it in a time of exploration and perhaps misinterpretation. It says "Libye…n'ayant que des sablons sans eau." which means something like "Libya... having only sand without water.". A very narrow-minded view! It whispers tales of uncharted territories and romanticised lands. Each stroke serves both aesthetics and the ambitions and misunderstandings of a society yearning to understand and, let’s be honest, dominate the "other". The line style contrasts with its intent. Editor: I hadn’t thought of it in terms of both aesthetics and the ambition to dominate! It brings so much context, I can really appreciate Della Bella's intention in creating such piece. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! Each piece is a conversation, waiting for us to eavesdrop.