Early in the age of exploration and discovery, scholars and artists divided the world into four continents—America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. This 18th century sketch by Italian artist Francesco DeMura draws on 16th century imagery in its depiction of four regal female allegorical figures with symbols of their continents. With a parrot in hand, the partially nude figure at left is America, a Native American woman representing the exoticism of the new world. Next, Asia, with a square hat, holds a censer of burning incense to indicate religion. To her right is Europe, with a crown suggesting royalty and a sword (extending beyond the frame) to suggest war. Furthest to the right is Africa, holding a cornucopia representing abundance. Lyman Allyn Art Museum purchase (Sotheby's)
