Gezicht op de bedding van de Cuanza before 1886

José Augusto da Cunha Moraes made this print titled 'Gezicht op de bedding van de Cuanza'. This photograph is not just a depiction of a landscape; it's a window into the colonial gaze of late 19th-century Angola. The Cuanza River wasn't merely a geographical feature; it was a vital artery for trade and resource extraction, key to Portugal's colonial ambitions. The image presents a tranquil scene, but consider what is not shown. How does the image create a sense of exoticism, framing Angola as a resource-rich land ready for the taking? The presence of local people seems almost incidental, part of the landscape. This aesthetic choice reinforces a colonial power dynamic. It suggests a civilization ready to be developed. Understanding the full context of this image requires delving into the archives of Portuguese colonial administration, exploring the economic policies, and recognizing the cultural biases of the time. Only then can we fully understand this photograph's subtle but powerful messages.