Congo River Collection

EXPL2A-00366
Map of equatorial Africa as known in the 1870s. Printed color lithograph, 19th century

The Congo river at Yangambi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

Burundi. A monument to the pyramids marks the source of the nile

Sketches from the Congo River, West Coast of Africa (engraving)
1050102 Sketches from the Congo River, West Coast of Africa (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches from the Congo River, West Coast of Africa)

On the Congo (engraving)
1045911 On the Congo (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: On the Congo. Illustration for The Graphic)

The Lower Rapids of the Congo River (engraving)
1596811 The Lower Rapids of the Congo River (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Lower Rapids of the Congo River)

L Ogooue, Congo, Africa, 19th century. Artist: Edouard Riou
L Ogooue, Congo, Africa, 19th century

An encampment on the River Congo, Africa, c1890. The Congo is the second largest river in Africa, rising in the highlands of North East Zambia

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Antique illustration of a Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Congo River wildlife
Elephants and hippopotamus along the Congo River. Printed color lithograph reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00359
African explorer Henry Stanleys camp on the Congo River, 1870s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

GAFR2A-00052
Native suspension bridge on the Congo River, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

EXPL2A-00204
Henry Stanleys expedition dragging a boat around rapids on the Congo river in Africa 1870s. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration

Hauling Canoes Up Inkisi Falls, published The Illustrated London News February 6
XJF448232 Hauling Canoes Up Inkisi Falls, published The Illustrated London News February 6, 1878 (engraving) by Stanley, Henry Morton (1841-1904) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Congo Encampment
An encampment along the Congo River, circa 1850. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Republic of The Congo, Relief Map With Border and Mask
Relief map of Congo (with border and mask). This image was compiled from data acquired by landsat 5 & 7 satellites combined with elevation data

Elisee Trivier, French explorer
Elisee Trivier (1842-1912), French explorer. Trivier followed in the footsteps of Scottish missionary David Livingstone in his attempt to explore the interior of Africa

A dugout canoe on the Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

River traffic on the Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

Children seen on the banks of the Congo river, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

Dugout canoes (pirogues) on the Congo River, Yangambi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

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The Congo River, also known as the heart of Africa, is a majestic waterway that weaves through the Democratic Republic of Congo. With its rich history and diverse landscapes, this river has captivated explorers and artists for centuries. One such explorer was Henry Morton Stanley, who famously overcame treacherous rapids on his journey down the Congo River in the 19th century. His determination and bravery are immortalized in Emile Bayard's drawing, showcasing Stanley's triumph against nature's forces. But the story of the Congo River goes beyond exploration. Tragically, it was also a route used to transport enslaved Africans during one of humanity's darkest periods. The engraving depicting the capture of a slave-vessel off the Congo River serves as a haunting reminder of this painful chapter in history. Yet amidst these somber moments lies beauty and wonder. Edouard Riou's artwork captures an enchanting scene along L'Ogooue, a tributary of the mighty Congo River. The lush vegetation and serene waters paint a picture of tranquility in this African paradise. Wildlife thrives along its banks too - from graceful hippos to colorful birds that call this region home. The vibrant ecosystem found within its waters is truly awe-inspiring and reminds us why conservation efforts are crucial to preserve our planet's natural wonders. As we reflect on these glimpses into life along the Congo River throughout time, let us remember that rivers have always been more than just bodies of water; they hold stories untold and connect communities across vast distances. The monument marking the source of Nile at Burundi reminds us how interconnected our world truly is. So next time you gaze upon a river flowing freely or hear tales about distant lands shaped by their currents like those from Sketches from the Congo River on West Coast Africa - take a moment to appreciate not only their physical beauty but also their significance in shaping human history.