Afrika 1750 - 1770

Benedikt Winkler created this print called Afrika in the 18th century. Here, Africa is framed by its exotic fauna: an elephant, a crocodile, and lush vegetation. The crocodile, perched prominently, harkens back to ancient Egyptian imagery, where it symbolized power and primal forces, often linked to the Nile and fertility. But consider how this symbol evolved. In medieval bestiaries, the crocodile embodied deceit, a far cry from its earlier divine associations. Similarly, the elephant, once a symbol of wisdom and royalty, has been reduced here to a mere decorative motif, an exotic curiosity. This transformation reveals a profound shift in perception, influenced by exploration and colonialism. It stirs a psychoanalytic echo, reminding us of how collective memory and colonial attitudes shape our understanding of the world. The image of Africa itself becomes laden with projections of the "other," a land of both allure and danger, revealing the complex interplay between image, power, and the human psyche.