Africa

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

Images(2)

CultureEnglish

Titles

Africa
The Four Corners of the Globe

Datec. 1770–1780

Possible placeChelsea-Derby, England

Possible placeChelsea, 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

Not on view

Explore Further

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.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.