Allegory of Europe, from "The Four Continents" 1500 - 1600

"Allegory of Europe" is a drawing from the series “The Four Continents,” created by an anonymous artist sometime between 1500 and 1600. The drawing depicts a female figure, likely representing Europe, adorned with a crown and holding a scepter in her right hand. Her left hand rests on a vine laden with grapes, a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The work is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This allegorical series is a testament to the artistic and intellectual curiosity of the Renaissance era.