Who created "Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents""?

Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents" was created by Julius Goltzius|Maerten de Vos in ca. 1560–90.

When was "Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents"" created?

This artwork was created ca. 1560–90.

What medium is "Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents""?

Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents" is Engraving.

Is "Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents"" in the public domain?

Yes, Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents" is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents"

Julius Goltzius|Maerten de Vos

ca. 1560–90

Medium

Engraving

Dimensions

Sheet: 8 11/16 x 10 7/8 in. (22 x 27.7 cm)

Classification

Prints

Department

Drawings and Prints

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1949

Accession Number

49.95.1526

Tags

LionsFemale NudesCrocodilesElephantsChariots

Art Historical Context

In the late 16th century, the height of Northern Renaissance printmaking in Antwerp, *Allegory of Africa* emerged as part of the popular series *The Four Continents*. by the Flemish painter Maerten de Vos, known for his Mannerist style blending intricate detail with symbolic narrative, and masterfully engraved by Julius Gzius, this work personifies Africa as a majestic female figure. Created around 1560–90, it captures Europe's fascination with global exploration, using allegory to evoke the continent's exotic allure amid the Age of Discovery. The composition bursts with vibrant symbolism: a ...

About the Artist

Julius Goltzius|Maerten de Vos (Netherlandish|Netherlandish) · 1500 |1532 –1595 |1603

Netherlandish, died ca. 1595|Netherlandish, Antwerp 1532–1603 Antwerp

Allegory of Africa, from "The Four Continents"

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