Allegory of Asia, from "The Four Continents" 1630 - 1666

This is Abraham Bosse’s "Allegory of Asia," an engraving from "The Four Continents." It was produced in the 17th century, a period of increasing European exploration and colonization. The print depicts Asia as a woman adorned with what Europeans would have considered “exotic” attire. She carries a thurible, or incense burner, on a chain. This might symbolize the “mysteries” and “riches” of the East, but also subtly implies control and subjugation. Bosse’s representation reflects the prevalent Eurocentric view of the time, casting Asia as feminine, passive, and ripe for Western domination. There is an emotional complexity here, as the artist’s imagination is clearly captured by the allure of the “Orient,” but this fascination is intertwined with the power dynamics of colonialism. The allegory doesn’t just depict a continent, but it embodies the complicated relationship between Europe and the rest of the world, a relationship built on both desire and control.