Personificaties van Europa, Azië en Afrika bieden Rome geschenken aan, op voorgrond riviergod en Romulus en Remus gezoogd door wolf 1660 - 1674

This engraving by Cornelis van Dalen the First, made around the mid-17th century, allegorically represents Europe, Asia, and Africa offering gifts to Rome. During this period of exploration and colonization, European artists frequently depicted non-European continents and people through the lens of Western ideals and power dynamics. This print is no different. Consider how each continent is personified. Europe sits enthroned atop the composition, a symbol of dominance, while Asia and Africa are positioned as subservient, bearing gifts. The river god in the foreground, along with Romulus and Remus being suckled by the wolf, further emphasizes the Roman narrative. These weren't simple illustrations, but complex cultural statements reflecting the era’s understanding of the world. Van Dalen’s work provides insight into the cultural biases and the construction of identity and power during a pivotal time in history. It serves as a reminder of how art can both reflect and shape our understanding of societal issues and global identities.