Europe 1600 – 1815 Galleries, Victoria & Albert Museum

My specially researched official V&A tour gives an overview of the African presence in 17th and 18th Century Europe as represented in a number of high quality works. Europe during this period was on the cusp of massive change with much social, religious and economic upheaval. The period saw the Scientific Revolution and Age of Enlightenment.

I lead the tour speculating on the viewpoint of the African individuals portrayed; their stories and backgrounds. As part of the tour attendees will be looking at a number of known and unknown figures as well as the achievements of individuals of African descent in European history at a time when the African body would become symbolic of degradation.

From the Baroque to the Rococo and Neoclassical, the Europe 1600-1815 Galleries present an unrivalled collection of 17th and 18th century art and design in a period that was influential in forging the identity of the European lifestyle today.

IMAGE CREDIT – Bust of a Boy, Joannes De Cock (1705-10), V&A London