Views of Europe · 18th century
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
condition overall. Crisp impression with minimal wear. Some faint age toning along the edges, and light crease in the upper right. No tears or repairs. The plate mark is strong and intact.
Karkan – 18th-Century Engraving of Ottoman State Punishment Collar, c.1730
This rare and unusual 18th-century copper engraving depicts a man restrained in a wooden punishment collar known as a “karkan,” used by Ottoman authorities as a form of public shaming or restraint for state criminals. The Dutch title beneath the image reads: “KARKAN, of Halsjuk der Misdadige van Staat” — translating roughly to “Karkan, or Neck Yoke for State Criminals.”
The restrained man is dressed in ornate Ottoman attire with a fur-trimmed kaftan and a plumed turban. The exaggerated wooden yoke (the karkan) is fitted around his neck and shoulders, rendering him helpless and publicly marked as a criminal. The image is set indoors, likely representing a holding chamber or administrative court. As noted at the top, this engraving appeared on page 229 of the fourth volume (“IV. Deel Pag. 229”) of a Dutch publication, most likely from a travelogue or ethnographic work describing the customs and punishments of foreign lands under Ottoman influence.
This print serves both as a visual record of foreign judicial customs and a moralizing curiosity for its European audience, reflecting how early modern Dutch society viewed law enforcement and “exotic” penal systems abroad. The karkan was a form of non-lethal punishment that caused discomfort and humiliation, and was sometimes used in the Middle East and parts of Asia for petty crimes or insubordination.
Condition: Good condition overall. Crisp impression with minimal wear. Some faint age toning along the edges, and light crease in the upper right. No tears or repairs. The plate mark is strong and intact.
Framing tips: Due to its unique subject matter and tall vertical format, this print pairs well with a slender black or dark walnut frame. Use a soft ivory or light beige mat to highlight the detailing of the engraving, and consider museum glass for preservation.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Anonymous Dutch engraver, Netherlands, circa 1730
