Afrique, from "Jeu de la Géographie" 1644

Stefano della Bella made this print called “Afrique, from Jeu de la Géographie” sometime in the mid-17th century using etching. The print, now at the Met, encapsulates the era's understanding of Africa, blending geographical knowledge with cultural perceptions. During the 17th century, European encounters with Africa were shaped by trade, exploration, and unfortunately, the beginnings of extensive colonial exploitation. The print features a figure in a chariot pulled by lions, reflecting a European fascination with exoticism and power. The text below it suggests prevailing views of the continent, with stereotypes about fertility and skin color. It’s impossible to ignore how the European imagination constructed and represented people of color. This piece encourages us to think about the historical context and narratives embedded in art. It’s also a reminder of how cultural representation can perpetuate stereotypes that have real-world implications, reflecting both the emotional charge and the human cost of the historical gaze.