Albert in the Age of Empire
The Albert Memorial reflects a Victorian view of the world that differs from mainstream views held today. In particular, its representation of certain continents draws on racial stereotypes that are now considered offensive.
The Albert Memorial was created in the age of Empire. Britain’s vast overseas territory, ruled by Queen Victoria, stretched across the globe and included swathes of Asia and Africa.
Though the Empire has traditionally been celebrated as a symbol of British supremacy, many today consider this view as problematic because colonialism often relied on the oppression and exploitation of people, resources and cultures.
Representing Africa
At each corner of the Albert Memorial is a statue representing one of four continents: Africa, Asia, America and Europe. The statue of Africa stands at the north-eastern corner. This includes the figure of a European woman reading a book to an African man.
Victorian guidebooks to the memorial describe how this ‘uncivilised’ man hunches over his bow. This pose was intended to represent him ‘rising up from barbarism’, thanks to his western teacher. At his feet lie broken chains, which allude to Britain’s role in the abolition of slavery. Descriptions of the states that represent Asia and America also reflect this Victorian view of European supremacy.
Each continent is represented by an animal and a group of people intended to represent its constituent cultures. America, for instance, is signified with a bison. The animal is surrounded by a number of figures, including two men representing the Mexican and Native American peoples. A female figure who signifies America itself sits astride the bison.
Albert and the Great Exhibition
Despite the symbolism of these four statues, they were not primarily intended to signify the British Empire and its imperial might – even if this is implicit. They memorialise the nations that contributed to the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Prince Albert – known as the ‘Prince Consort’ – was the driving force behind this major international event that celebrated culture, industry and innovation from around the world. His memorial was designed to celebrate the Prince’s love of knowledge and advancement, rather than power and might.
Albert himself is shown in an informal pose, sitting modestly on a stool rather than a throne or a horse. In his hand he clutches a large book – the catalogue of the Great Exhibition.
An estimated six million people visited the purpose-built Crystal Palace to view cutting-edge inventions and scientific advancements.
Related Articles
-
ReadThe Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park
The Great Exhibition of 1851 was held in the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park
