Afrikaanse vrouw met kind en boomstam c. 1675 - 1725

This watercolor titled 'Afrikaanse vrouw met kind en boomstam', or 'African woman with child and tree trunk,' was made by an anonymous artist. It's a poignant reflection of a colonial gaze, shaped by the complex history of cross-cultural encounters. The image presents a woman carrying both a log and her child, a representation that speaks volumes about labor, motherhood, and survival. The anonymous nature of the artist invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in image-making during periods of colonial expansion, as well as how they saw people from other cultures and walks of life. The details of her clothing, the wood she carries, and the child on her back all tell a story, one that emphasizes both the burdens and the resilience of women in such contexts. Think about how the artist chose to depict her. The red beaded necklace stands out against the muted palette. The child seems secure and calm. What does this say about the emotional dimensions of this scene? It can encourage us to reflect on the societal issues of that era and the emotional and personal lives of those living in it.