Congo, from "Jeu de la Géographie" 1644

"Congo" from Stefano della Bella's "Jeu de la Géographie" is an etching from 1644, part of a larger series of prints depicting different regions of the world. The image portrays a standing figure, possibly a king or noble, wearing elaborate clothing and a headdress. The text below the image describes the Kingdom of Congo as being located in Lower Ethiopia, divided into six provinces named after their capital cities. This print reflects the burgeoning interest in cartography and exploration in the 17th century, using visual and textual elements to communicate knowledge about distant lands. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York holds this important work.