Two oriental men (attr.) Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516)

This image is a sketch of two men, likely from the 15th century, depicted in profile. The man on the left is wearing a tall, structured hat with a textured pattern and a long, flowing garment that partially obscures a sword at his waist. His right hand is raised, with fingers splayed, in a gesture that could be a greeting, a blessing, or a cautionary signal. The man on the right wears a more conical, pointed hat and has a beard. He appears to be looking towards the other man, his expression thoughtful or perhaps concerned. They are rendered with delicate, angular lines and shading, suggesting a sense of movement and depth. The background is sketched in with a few simplified architectural elements or distant forms, hinting at an urban or coastal setting.
The subtext might relate to the cultural and political climate of the era, where encounters between different cultures, possibly involving trade, diplomacy, or conflict, were common. The Oriental attribution suggests a representation of figures from the East, a region that held both fascination and apprehension for Europeans at the time. The postures and expressions of the men could imply a conversation, a negotiation, or even a moment of suspense or intrigue. The presence of the sword suggests a potential for discord or the formality of their meeting. The drawing style, with its emphasis on line and form, could be preparatory for a larger work, a study of character, or an illustration of a narrative.