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The Four Continents

1790
manufacturer

firm of Christophe Philippe Oberkampf

(French, 1738–1815)
(French, 1745–1811)
France, 18th century
Cotton: copperplate printed
Overall: 112.1 x 81.3 cm (44 1/8 x 32 in.)
Gift of Gregor Norman Humphreys 1929.6
Location: 101B Prints & Drawings
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Marie-Antoinette visited the textile factory where this design was made.

Description

Inspired by printed cottons from India, European manufacturers began printing textiles from copper plates in the 1750s. Originating in Ireland, the technique quickly spread to France where it flourished. Here, Jean-Baptiste Marie Huet I depicted female personifications of the four continents alongside their native flora and fauna. Although the artist based the plants and animals on real specimens observed at the Royal Botanical Gardens, he derived the personifications from racist stereotypes that imagined Europe as culturally superior: while Europe sits enthroned with symbols of the arts and knowledge at her feet, Africa wears an elephant headdress, America hunts an alligator, and Asia prays to a false god.
The Four Continents

The Four Continents

1790

Christophe Philippe Oberkampf, Jean-Baptiste Marie Hüet

(French, 1738–1815), (French, 1745–1811)
France, 18th century

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