Allegory of Asia, from the Four Continents 1660 - 1700

Godfried Maes created this drawing, Allegory of Asia, as part of a Four Continents series. Produced in the late 17th century, the series reflects Europe's burgeoning global awareness, and its projection of power through artistic representation. This drawing reveals more about European perceptions than Asian realities. The figure of Asia is a European woman, adorned with symbols of wealth and exoticism. The inclusion of a pagoda and a multi-armed deity hints at the era's limited understanding of Asian cultures, shaped by colonial narratives and trade relations. The drawing also portrays a power dynamic, with the continent personified as a woman, passively seated. The horse, an animal of burden, implies the taming of the continent. This imagery is less a celebration of Asia and more an assertion of European dominance, reflecting the complex intersections of trade, gender, and cultural representation that defined the period. It is a reminder of the era’s entangled relationship between genuine curiosity and imperial ambition.