Africa c. 1670 - 1700

This statuette, titled 'Africa' by Joachim Henne, is an evocative representation rendered in ivory. Note the pearls around her neck, a symbol of wealth and status, yet also a nod to purity and tears, deeply rooted in the symbolism of classical antiquity. The partial nudity and the skirt slung low around the hips can be traced back to classical depictions of conquered lands. This image resonates with the Hellenistic Nike of Samothrace, or even ancient Roman personifications of provinces. Here, the artist perhaps unconsciously taps into a collective memory, reflecting how conquerors have historically represented the lands they dominated. However, this representation also carries with it a visual language laden with potential for psychological complexity. The vulnerability implied by her missing arm and the exoticized depiction is emotionally disquieting. Ultimately, this image is part of an ongoing cycle, reflecting the continuous reinterpretation and evolution of symbols that transcend time and geography.