Allegorical Portraits of America

Historically, these busts (S19 and S20) were considered portraits of an African king and queen, however, their highly stylised dress suggests that they are in fact allegorical portraits of the continents of America and Asia, and likely formed part of a set with busts representing Europe and Africa. As a result of Europe extending its global reach from the fifteenth century, the four continents became a popular allegorical motif that appeared frequently in print, decorative arts and sculpture. They often represented stereotypical notions of the dress of the inhabitants, as can be seen with these busts; America is personified by a figure wearing a feather headdress, whereas Asia is personified by a figure wearing a Turkish-style turban.