Arkivism
Muslim galley slaves on the beach
Public domain

Muslim galley slaves on the beach

1647 · etching; engraving; paper

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

On the left stands a Muslim galley slave next to a sailor in conversation with a papasso (moollah and representative of the enslaved Muslims). In front of them is a dog. On the right, a Muslim galley slave holding a halberd. In front of him are a cannon, bullets, barrels, an anchor, and an oar. In the background, Muslim galley slaves around a cauldron, likely preparing to caulk a ship. These enslaved men are identifiable as Muslims by their characteristic hairstyle (shaved head except for a tuft of hair), which they were required to wear.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Credit lineIslamitische galeislaven op het strand. 1647. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

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