The Rhodes Colossus

Edward Linley Sambourne, "The Rhodes Colossus," Punch, 10 Dec, 1892, print on paper, 24cm height x 18cm width, Drew University Archives Special Collections 

 In 1892, mining magnate and Prime Minister of British-controlled South Africa Cecil Rhodes declared his intentions to build a telegraph line across the continent of Africa, from South Africa to Egypt. (“The Rhodes Colossus - Striding from Cape Town to Cairo,” Cornell University Library) In this illustration, “The Rhodes Colossus,” artist Edward Linley Sambourne personifies Rhodes’ ambition. Rhodes is posed to look like the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, each foot on either end of the continent, and holding up a wire connecting the two. This cartoon encapsulates Britain’s imperial attitude towards Africa. Rhodes is shown as standing on top of the continent, reflecting his belief in British imperialism and his position as a mining magnate; the illustration depicts him literally using Africa as a platform to prop himself and Britain up. In addition, Sambourne’s illustration also highlights the “white savior” idea of colonialism, that Europeans were not simply exploiting Africa, but saw themselves in a paternalistic light, “helping” them achieve civilization. The telegraph line is a central point of focus in the illustration highlighting it as a piece of infrastructure created to “improve” Africa. “The Rhodes Colossus” personifies British imperialism and portrays it as a benefit to Africa rather than exploitative.