Home > Animals > Mammals > Muridae > House Mouse
Leopold II, King of the Belgians, 1909
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Leopold II, King of the Belgians, 1909
Leopold II, King of the Belgians, 1909. Leopold (1835-1909) ruled Belgium from 1865 until his death. His reign is most remembered for the harsh treatment of the people of the Congo Free State, which was the kings personal property from 1885. The inhabitants were ruthlessly exploited for the collection of ivory and rubber, from which Leopold built up a fortune. The resultant death toll among the indigenous population has been estimated at anywhere between 2 and 15 million. Eventually by 1908 the international outcry at the mistreatment of the populace led to Leopold being compelled to hand over control of the Congo to the Belgian government. A print from L Illustration, 18 December 1909
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14953692
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Aged Atrocity Belgian Elderly Exploitation House Of Saxe Coburg And Gotha King Leopold Ii Of Belgium King Of The Belgians Leopold Ii Print Collector21 Royal Family Scandal Walking Stick Congo Free State Monarchy
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Muridae
> House Mouse
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
> Arts
> Portraits
> Black and white portraits
> Fine art portraits
> Arts
> Portraits
> Black and white portraits
> Europe
> Belgium
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures Leopold II, King of the Belgians, in 1909. Leopold's reign is marred by his brutal treatment of the people in the Congo Free State, which he considered his personal property. From 1885 onwards, the indigenous population was ruthlessly exploited for ivory and rubber collection, resulting in a devastating death toll estimated between 2 and 15 million. Leopold II built up immense wealth from this exploitation while subjecting innocent lives to unimaginable atrocities. However, international outrage eventually forced him to relinquish control of the Congo to the Belgian government in 1908. In this image, we see an elderly Leopold standing tall with a commanding presence. His regal attire reflects his position as monarch and member of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The beard on his aged face adds gravitas to his appearance. The photograph serves as a reminder of both power and scandal. It symbolizes not only Leopold's authority but also exposes the dark side of colonialism during that era. This portrait encapsulates a man who wielded great influence over Belgium but will forever be remembered for perpetrating one of history's most horrific acts against humanity. As we reflect upon this image today, it stands as a testament to our collective responsibility to learn from past mistakes and strive towards justice and equality for all peoples across nations.
MADE IN THE USA
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 Cart.
