THREE WALLPAPERS "THE THREE CONTINENTS"

A set of three wallpapers depicting the female personifications of three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. Admired for her riches, Asia is sumptuously dressed in an embroidered gown adorned with jewels. Her head is decorated with flowers and a feathered turban. Behind her lies a reclining camel, her sacred animal. Africa is easily identifiable as a lightly draped woman carrying a cornucopia from which a serpent emerges. The cornucopia represents the Nile and the great life-giving rivers of Africa. At her feet are a hunting bow and an elephant tusk. She is accompanied by a lion, her sacred symbol. Europe wears a crown, scepter, and shield. She is accompanied by a horse, a reference to Greece and to the equestrian arts so closely associated with nobility and the military. Europe is the symbol of the arts and sciences, whose attributes are scattered at her feet. Her crown, scepter, and armor express her authority and political power. The three scenes are titled and framed by floral motifs. 19th century, circa 1890. Dimensions: W: 100cm, D: 2cm, H: 78cm. The three wallpapers have been restored and relined.