Description
Book Synopsis: A compelling examination of one of the most artistically rich and creative African kingdoms. Artists from the kingdom of Kongo–a vast swath of Central Africa that today encompasses the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola–were responsible for outstanding creative achievements. With the influx of Portuguese, Dutch, and Italian merchants, missionaries, and explorers, Kongo developed a unique artistic tradition that blended European iconography with powerful indigenous art forms. An initially positive engagement with Europe in the 15th century turned turbulent in the wake of later displacement, civil war, and the slave trade–and many of the artworks created in Kongo reflect the changing times.
This comprehensive study is the first major catalogue to explore Kongo’s history, art forms, and cultural identity before, during, and after contact with Europe. Objects range from 15th-century “mother-and-child” figures, which reflect a time when Europeans and their Christian motifs were viewed favorably, to fearsome mangaaka, power figures that conveyed strength in the midst of the kingdom’s dissolution. Lavishly illustrated with new photography and multiple views of three-dimensional works, this book presents the fascinatingly complex artistic legacy of one of Africa’s most storied kingdoms. Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press.
Exhibition Schedule:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (09/17/15–01/03/16)
Details
Immerse yourself in the captivating and artistic world of the Kongo kingdom with Kongo: Power and Majesty. Discover the remarkable creative achievements of artists from this vast region in Central Africa. Blending European iconography with powerful indigenous art forms, the artworks from Kongo showcase a unique and dynamic artistic tradition.
As European merchants, missionaries, and explorers arrived, Kongo's engagement with Europe initially brought about a positive influence. However, as displacement, civil war, and the slave trade took hold, the artwork produced in Kongo started reflecting the changing times. This comprehensive study is the first major catalogue to delve into the history, art forms, and cultural identity of Kongo before, during, and after contact with Europe.
Uncover the fascinating stories behind the 15th-century "mother-and-child" figures, which depict a time when the influence of Europeans and their Christian motifs were held in high regard. Explore the power figures known as mangaaka, which embody strength during the kingdom's dissolution. With lavish illustrations featuring new photography and multiple views of three-dimensional works, this book brings to life the complex artistic legacy of one of Africa's most renowned kingdoms.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the rich cultural heritage of the Kongo kingdom. Order your copy of Kongo: Power and Majesty now and experience the beauty and majesty of this captivating African kingdom.
Order your copy of Kongo: Power and Majesty and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Kongo kingdom today!
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