Africa 

Rosalba Carriera created this pastel drawing, titled 'Africa', during the height of the Venetian Republic. Carriera's allegorical portrait offers insight into the social and cultural attitudes of 18th-century Europe. The image, depicting an African woman adorned with pearls and a turban, embodies both fascination and exoticism. Consider the politics of imagery at the time: what does it mean to portray a continent through a single figure? The symbolic elements of the artwork, like the coral necklace and the chameleon she holds, reflect the European understanding of Africa as a land of luxury and mystery. The creation and display of works like this were shaped by the dynamics of colonialism and trade. They reinforced existing power structures. To fully grasp the painting's implications, we can consult historical records, travelogues, and studies of costume and jewelry. These resources help us uncover the complex interplay of art, identity, and power.