Twee gezichten op Fort Charles te Anomabu in Ghana 1709

This print shows two views of Fort Charles in Anomabu, Ghana, and was created by an anonymous Dutch artist. Such prints were often commissioned by the Dutch West India Company, consolidating its commercial and colonial power in the 17th and 18th centuries. As an image, it reflects the visual codes of colonial power; the fort is presented as a symbol of European dominance amidst the local population. The cultural references, such as the flags atop the fort, signal the assertion of European sovereignty over the land. Understanding the historical context in which this print was made—the era of transatlantic slave trade and European expansionism—is crucial for interpreting its meaning. Historians rely on archival sources, such as company records, travelogues, and maps, to better understand art's role within complex historical circumstances. Recognizing art's contingency on these social and institutional contexts allows us to grasp its function in propagating or challenging prevailing norms.