Probably Spain 17th century - Two 17th century allegorical alabaster figures of Africa and America, possibly Spanish - image-1

Lot 1247 Dα

Probably Spain 17th century - Two 17th century allegorical alabaster figures of Africa and America, possibly Spanish

Auction 1076 - overview Cologne
19.11.2016, 11:00 - Old Master Paintings and Drawings, Sculpture
Estimate: 4.000 € - 5.000 €
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Probably Spain 17th century

Two 17th century allegorical alabaster figures of Africa and America, possibly Spanish

Carved in the round and partially freestanding. Original partial polychromy.. These small figures personify two of the continents known at the time they were made: Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The figures' nudity, the quivers of arrows on their backs and the depictions of an elephant and a further exotic beast indicate the sculptures to be depictions of "Africa" and "America".
The elephant's trunk and the arm of "America" partially lacking. Some minor cracks and wear. Mounted on wooden socles. Height 21.5 cm and 19.5 cm (without socles).

Provenance

From a Spanish collection.