Home > Animals > Fishes > S > Sea Bass
Matadi, Congo Free State - Leopold II and Colonial Officials
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Matadi, Congo Free State - Leopold II and Colonial Officials
Matadi, the chief sea port of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the capital of the Bas-Congo province. Postcard celebrating the Independence of the Congo Free State, bearing the portrait of King Leopold II of Belgum (1835-1909) and five of his Officers who were major colonial players in the region: (from left) Felix Fuchs (1858-1928), Colonel Albert Thys (1849-1915), Baron d Edmond Van Eetvelde (1852-1925), Francis, Baron Dhanis ) and Colonel Theophile Wahis (1844-1921). Date: circa 1906
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14344944
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Baron Belgian Brutal Colonel Colony Congo Congolese Democratic Felix Free Fuchs Leopold Officials Regime Seaport Albert Matadi
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> Democratic Republic of the Congo
> Related Images
> Africa
> Republic of the Congo
> Related Images
> Animals
> Fishes
> S
> Sea Bass
> Europe
> Belgium
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
Matadi, Congo Free State: A Celebration of Colonial Power and Progress (circa 1906) This postcard, depicting Matadi, the chief seaport of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the capital of the Bas-Congo province, proudly showcases the power and influence of King Leopold II of Belgium and his colonial officials. The image, which celebrates the independence of the Congo Free State, features the portraits of five key figures who played significant roles in the region's colonization: King Leopold II (1835-1909), Felix Fuchs (1858-1928), Colonel Albert Thys (1849-1915), Baron Edmond Van Eetvelde (1852-1925), Francis, Baron Dhanis (1861-1909), and Colonel Theophile Wahis (1844-1921). Located on the Congo River, Matadi was a vital hub for the Belgian colonial regime, which ruled the Congo Free State from 1885 until its annexation by Belgium in 1908. The port city's strategic location made it essential for the transportation of rubber and other resources extracted from the Congo's vast territories. The image conveys a sense of pride and achievement, with the colonial officials standing tall and confident, surrounded by the bustling activity of the port. However, the brutal reality of the Belgian regime in the Congo, which was marked by forced labor, exploitation, and widespread violence, is not reflected in this celebratory postcard. Despite the dark history of the Belgian colonial rule in the Congo, this postcard remains an important historical artifact, shedding light on the people and events that shaped the region during a pivotal period in its history.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.