Boston University
African studies Center
270 Bay Sate Road
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
(617) 353-3673
www.bu.edu/africa
In their art, Europeans have continuously depicted Africans for over a thousand years. Africans have depicted Europeans for the last 450+ years. Together, these images illustrate major historical changes in relations and attitudes between the peoples of the two continents. Racism and stereotyping have not always existed between the two peoples. Looking at these images allows students to view beautiful art and to interpret its historical significance.
European images of Africans:
Saint Maurice and Saint Erasmus, Matthias Grünewald, ca 1520
http://www.abcgallery.com/G/grunewald/grunewald3.html
Two Girls and A Negro Servant, By Joseph Wright, ca. 1769/70
http://www.topofart.com/artists/Joseph_Wright_of_Derby/art_reproduction/4283/A_Conversation_of_Girls_(Two_Girls_with_their_Black_Servant).php
Broad Grins, by Thomas Rowlandson, ca. 1800
http://www.artandarchitecture.org.uk/images/gallery/15e644ae.html
African images of Europeans:
Pendant Mask of the Queen Mother, Benin, ca. 1520
http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/viewOnezoom.asp?dep=5&zoomFlag=0&viewmode=0&item=1978%2E412%2E323
Relief plaque with three Portuguese, Benin, ca. 16th-17th century
http://www.smb.spk-berlin.de/mv/afrika/e/europa3g.htm
Ivory Salt-Cellar with Boat, Benin, 16th Century
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass In the Search window, enter “Salt Cellar with Boat”
Chinese art showing African trade
Explorer Zheng He, returning with a Giraffe for the Emperor, 1414
http://www.ford.utexas.edu/museum/exhibits/China_exhibit/giraffe.htm
Mosques in Mali: the art of architecture
The Grand Mosque of Gjenne (Jenne), in Mali (plus photo of Niger River)
http://www.bourgoing.com/perso/fonds.htm
The Grand Mosque of Mopti, in Mali
http://www.africaphotos.com/stock/subject/religion/ma13a.htm
http://www.africaphotos.com/stock/subject/religion/ma12b.htm
Barbara B. Brown, Ph.D.
Outreach Director, Africa in the School and Community