A rare set of four carved white marble figures representing the Continents
Italian, mid 19th century 130cm.; 51ins high The iconography of this set of four continents is similar to those on the four corners of the Albert Memorial opposite the Albert Hall in London. Commissioned in the 1860~s following the death of Prince Albert, and made by four of the leading sculptors of the day, America by John Bell Africa by William Theed Asia by John Foley and Europe by Patrick MacDowell As with this lot, the continents are represented by natives in national dress and animals relevant to the geography. Towards the end of the 19th century, the public~s interest in far away and exotic lands fired by the increased ease of travel and the burgeoning British Empire. For a similar set of continents at Godington Park, Kent, see Garden ornament by George Plumtre, Thames and Hudson, 1989, page 125. Provenance: Sold at Sotheby~s Sussex sale of garden Statuary, 29th September 1992, lot 285
A rare set of four carved white marble figures representing the Continents
Italian, mid 19th century 130cm.; 51ins high The iconography of this set of four continents is similar to those on the four corners of the Albert Memorial opposite the Albert Hall in London. Commissioned in the 1860~s following the death of Prince Albert, and made by four of the leading sculptors of the day, America by John Bell Africa by William Theed Asia by John Foley and Europe by Patrick MacDowell As with this lot, the continents are represented by natives in national dress and animals relevant to the geography. Towards the end of the 19th century, the public~s interest in far away and exotic lands fired by the increased ease of travel and the burgeoning British Empire. For a similar set of continents at Godington Park, Kent, see Garden ornament by George Plumtre, Thames and Hudson, 1989, page 125. Provenance: Sold at Sotheby~s Sussex sale of garden Statuary, 29th September 1992, lot 285
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
