Colonialist Allegories of the Four Continents in Western Art
A visual analysis of the allegorical representations of Asia, America, Europe, and Africa in Western art from the colonial period, particularly the 18th century, reveals a consistent iconography rooted in racism and designed to uphold European superiority and justify colonialism. Europe is always depicted as fashionable, adorned with luxurious furs and jewelry, while other continents are stereotyped. The article cites an unknown work 'America' (1575-1610) and a c. 1775 porcelain set 'Africa, America, Europe, and Asia Figures' from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
Key facts
- The four continents allegory is a visual staple of Western art from the colonial period and 18th century.
- The iconography is deeply rooted in racism and used to uphold European superiority.
- Europe is always rendered fashionable with luxurious furs and jewelry.
- An unknown work 'America' dates between 1575 and 1610.
- A porcelain set 'Africa, America, Europe, and Asia Figures' from c. 1775 is held by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
- The set is made of gilt, painted, and glazed porcelain.
- The representations show consistency informed by a colonialist agenda.
- Variation exists but general concepts are consistent.
Entities
Artists
- Unknown
Institutions
- Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Locations
- New York City
- United States