The sketchbooks of the explorers
Title:
The sketchbooks of the explorers
Producer:
Charles Callewaert (°1855 - †1945)
Theme:
portrait
Legend:
Massala, an interpreter working for the CEHC, was a known individual. Several photos of him are kept in the collections of the RMCA. This portrait was possibly inspired by a photograph. Father F. Bontinck published articles about Massala. He was an important mediator between the local population and the newly arrived Europeans. He attended the international and universal exhibition in Brussels in 1885 in which the AIC participated. In an exact copy of the "sanitarium" (sic) of Vivi were portraits of Massala (oil paintings) and of Stanley. Massala had a great effect on the general public. A committee of patronesses organised sales of his photographs and even busts of Massala. Massala's image was taken to the Congo by African delegates to the exhibition.
Inscription:
Massala, linguister à la station de Vivi
11/9/81
Date of acquisition:
1989
Dimensions:
24 cm x 17,5 cm
Technique:
graphic arts > mixed technique
Inventory number:
HO.0.1.3145