Gezicht op de Congo met watervallen before 1892

This is an anonymous, undated print depicting a view of the Congo with waterfalls, likely produced in the late 19th or early 20th century. It appears as an illustration within a geological text, reflecting the colonial gaze that often intertwined scientific exploration with the exploitation of African lands and resources. The image presents a seemingly objective landscape, yet it's laden with the power dynamics of the era. Who was the intended audience? How did this image shape perceptions of Africa and its people? The waterfalls, rendered in monochrome, evoke a sense of the sublime, masking the human cost of colonial expansion. Consider how this image contributes to a narrative of Africa as a resource to be studied and extracted. It invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between representation, power, and the lasting impact of colonialism.