Verovering van Luanda, 1641 1651 - 1659

This print, Verovering van Luanda, 1641, of the conquest of Luanda, was made in 1641 by an anonymous artist. It depicts the Dutch West India Company's invasion of Luanda, Angola, revealing a pivotal moment in the history of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. Look closely, you can see the ships, symbols of both commerce and conquest, encroaching upon the Angolan coast, disrupting indigenous life. This image freezes a moment that irrevocably altered the course of Angolan history. Luanda, a central hub in the slave trade, was targeted for its strategic importance. The Dutch occupation, though relatively brief, intensified the exploitation of African people, tearing them away from their homes and families. Consider how an image like this, made by a Western artist, might mask the horrors inflicted upon the local population, reducing their suffering to mere backdrop. It serves as a chilling reminder of how power dynamics shape historical narratives, often overshadowing the voices and experiences of those most affected.