Africa

Public Domain

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Images(2)

CultureEnglish

Titles

Africa
The Four Corners of the Globe

Datec. 1770–1780

Possible placeChelsea, England

Possible placeChelsea-Derby, England

MediumSoft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding

Dimensions8 7/8 × 4 3/8 × 4 1/4 in. (22.6 × 11.2 × 10.8 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Mrs. Fred T. Couper, Jr. in loving memory of her mother, Mrs. William Victor Bowles

Object numberB.87.1.4

Non exposé

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionThis figure, one of a set representing The Four Corners of the Globe, is a personification of Africa from a distinctly Eurocentric perspective. Holding a scorpion, wearing an elephant headdress, and with a lion at its feet, the figure demonstrates the European perception of Africa’s lack of civilization.
Provenance[Philip Suval, New York]; purchased by MFAH, November 3, 1986.
Exhibition HistoryMuseum purchase from a dealer exhibiting at The Theta Charity Antique Show in Houston

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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