Nubian Slave Figure c. 1937

Walter Hochstrasser painted this watercolour of a Nubian Slave Figure, sometime between 1855 and 1995. The figure, with his dark skin, turban, and what appears to be a rudimentary club, presents a complex set of social and cultural references. Images of Nubians were common in European art from the Renaissance onwards, often exoticized or used to symbolize Africa. The term 'slave figure' evokes the history of slavery and colonialism, raising questions about power, race, and representation. Made during or after a period of extensive colonization, the artist is likely to have been shaped by Europe's colonial project. The image’s meaning depends on our historical understanding and interpretation. By researching the social and institutional contexts of the artist, we can better understand how this image engages with the history of slavery and the politics of representation.