Asia 16th-17th century

Curator: Adriaen Collaert, an artist active in Antwerp, created this print titled "Asia," around the late 16th century. The print now resides at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, she’s quite a figure! Regal, but also… a little precarious perched on that camel, don’t you think? Like she's about to slide off! Curator: This representation of "Asia" aligns with the European allegorical tradition of personifying continents. It's crucial to recognize that these images are deeply embedded in the historical context of colonialism and power dynamics. Editor: Absolutely. It's as if the artist is cataloging Asia's exoticism—camels, rhinos—all under the rule of this very European-looking woman. A bit heavy-handed, really. Curator: These images helped to reinforce Europe's sense of cultural and political superiority, a concept deeply intertwined with the era's colonial ambitions. Editor: Looking at it now, it's hard to ignore the implications. All those animals, it feels so… exploitative. I guess even back then, art wasn't always neutral, was it?