French, 18th Century

St Lucian Property of Lord Glenconner, Bonhams London, 28 September 2011, lot 82.

For centuries, allegorical figures of the continents proved a popular subject for European artists. Various attributes of the continents, typically depicted as female, became standardized following the publication of the Iconologia in 1593. Written by Cesare Ripa, this book provides an overview of both classical and contemporary symbolism and proved enormously influential for artists looking to imbue their works with allegorical significance.

The present work relies heavily on Ripa’s stipulations for the depiction of America, the only continent that he believed should be represented without a bodice. The sculptor has also followed Ripa's direction in adding a feathered headdress, although her pearl necklace is more commonly observed on figures of Africa. In both her headwear and facial structure, this bust can be compared with the full-length statue of America executed by Gilles Guerin as part of the grande commande, an enormous 1674 commission issued by Louis XIV to provide statues for the gardens of Versailles.

RELATED LITERATURE:

F. Spira, “Allegories of the Four Continents,” in Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–.