Soldier of the Belgian Congo Force Publique Painting

This painting portrays a soldier from the Belgian Congo Force Publique. The Force Publique served as the military force during the reign of King Leopold II and throughout the era of Belgian colonial rule in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Initially comprising a mix of Belgian regular troops and mercenaries from various European nations, enticed by the promise of wealth, this army was commanded by European officers. Beneath these European leaders, an ethnically diverse group of African soldiers served, eventually becoming comparable to the askaris employed by other European colonial powers. Over time, the Force Publique began to shift towards greater recruitment of Belgian officers and native Congolese soldiers, leading to the gradual phasing out of white and black foreign mercenaries. Under the rule of Leopold II, the Force Publique earned a reputation as an "exceptionally brutal army." One of its primary objectives was to enforce rubber quotas and other forms of forced labor, often resorting to the amputation of villager’s hand who were deemed uncooperative. Disturbingly, there exists evidence, including photographs, of Force Publique soldiers severing human hands, either as macabre trophies, to demonstrate conservation of bullets, or as a horrifying punishment, including the dismemberment of children to discipline parents perceived as lacking productivity in the rubber plantations. By the close of 1891, the force consisted of 60 officers, 60 non-commissioned officers, and 3,500 black soldiers. To exert control over the outermost regions of the Free State, friendly tribes and militias were frequently enlisted. By 1900, the Force Publique had expanded to include a formidable force of 19,000 men.

Painting:Oil on Canvas

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:36 W x 48 H x 0.5 D in

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