This political cartoon represents the affair with King Leopold II and the Congo. It shows explorers putting a black man (probably African) through a press and receiving coins or some form of a coveted material. A preacher stands by reading from a Bible. This represents the way that many European countries handled imperialism in Africa. They pressed all the work possible out of the natives, and justified it by saying they were bringing them civilization and Christianity. There is also a man on the left pouring something into the man's mouth. I assume he is giving him water, to represent the idea that Europeans were providing Africans with things they needed to live, like food and water.
The artist obviously doesn't like imperialism, as they depict the man who is effected in being in a painful/deadly position. He seems to be making a statement regarding the mistreatment of many Africans, such as those under the control of King Leopold II. The expression on the preacher's face is also interesting. He is reading the Bible to the men, but he has his eyebrows positioned in such a way that seems to depict shock or discomfort. I believe the artist is making a point about the bystanders of imperialism - those who realized that there was mistreatment going on, but didn't say anything. I think this cartoon is very effective, and is extremely interesting in the small details.
That part of the cartoon shows the British, not the Belgian.
ReplyDeleteThe Belgian panel shows King Leopold II as a cannibal.
See the whole thing here: https://www.reddit.com/r/PropagandaPosters/comments/dd2hfw/an_old_caricature_addressing_the_different/