Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents" 1630 - 1676

Abraham Bosse created this engraving, "Allegory of Africa," as part of a series representing the four continents. Created during a period of increasing European exploration and colonization, the image reflects prevailing European views of Africa and its people. The figure is adorned with jewels and a patterned cloth, holding a parasol and tambourine. While these details might suggest wealth and culture, they are rendered through a European lens that exoticizes and generalizes an entire continent. Note the bodies laying at the figure's feet. It serves as a stark reminder of the violence and exploitation inherent in colonial narratives. This image is not simply a depiction; it's an assertion of power. Bosse's "Africa" embodies both a fascination with and a claim over the continent. It invites us to reflect on how cultural representations have been used to justify historical injustices and how these images continue to shape contemporary perceptions.