Oil lamp based on the form of an African’s head 1550 - 1599

Andrea Briosco, known as Riccio, crafted this bronze oil lamp in the form of an African’s head, sometime between the late 15th and early 16th century. The Renaissance interest in classical antiquity took a problematic turn when it encountered cultures beyond Europe. This sculpture stands as an unsettling testament to the era's complex relationship with race, representation, and power. The lamp presents a dark-skinned man with exaggerated features, his mouth agape, seemingly frozen in a perpetual expression of pain or anguish. The choice to depict an African man in this manner reflects the racial biases prevalent in European society at the time. As we consider this lamp, we must confront the uncomfortable reality of how art can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. While the technical skill of the artist is evident, the emotional impact is one of unease. It serves as a potent reminder of the power dynamics inherent in representation.