Beeldengroep aan de voet van het Albert Memorial in Londen: Afrika 1878 - 1890

Francis Godolphin Osbourne Stuart created this photograph of the sculpture "Africa" which is part of the Albert Memorial in London. This memorial, completed in the late 19th century, serves as a dedication to Queen Victoria’s late husband, Prince Albert, and reflects the height of British imperial power. Here, Stuart's photograph captures a cluster of figures representing the African continent. We see a female figure adorned with what appears to be ancient Egyptian symbols seated regally atop a camel. This imagery evokes a romanticized and generalized vision of Africa, a continent then under increasing European colonial influence. The sculpture employs racial and cultural stereotypes common during this era. It also reflects the complex interplay between admiration, exoticism, and domination that characterized Europe's relationship with the rest of the world. Consider how this memorial, and photographs like this one, shaped perceptions of Africa among the British public, reinforcing narratives of colonial authority. The work’s emotional resonance lies in the power dynamics it represents, a stark reminder of the lasting impacts of colonialism on identity and representation.