Jan van Kessel
(1626-1679)
The Four Continents: Africa,
um 1664/66
Material / Technology / Carrier
Kupfer
Dimensions of the object
48,6 x 67,8 cm
Displayed
AP OG -> Kabinett 8
Acquisition
1799 aus der Galerie Mannheim
Stock
Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen – Alte Pinakothek
Citation
Jan van Kessel, Die vier Erdteile: Afrika, um 1664/66, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen – Alte Pinakothek, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/bwx026nGm8 (Last updated on 27.10.2025)
With a snake in her hand Africa is reminiscent of Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. The magnificent goblets next to her are made of nautilus shell and coconut, imported from Africa—as opposed to porcelain, a typical reference to Asia.
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