The language of continent allegories in Baroque Central Europe

Mehr zum Buch

The iconography of the four continents originated in the 16th and early 17th centuries, coinciding with Europe's transformative discoveries and conquests in the New World. Its widespread dissemination peaked in the 18th century, particularly during the late Baroque period. This era is notable for two key reasons: the abundance of reproductions and the diverse significance of these allegories. They were integrated into various contexts, including religious and liturgical settings, political discourse, and narratives of civilization and humanity. In this context, the continent allegories transcended mere art historical interpretation, becoming integral to religious, liturgical, political, and historical dialogues. As a form of pictorial language, they were closely intertwined with texts, dogmas, narratives, and stereotypes. The authors of this volume explore the meanings and implications of these allegories for individuals in the Baroque age, examining their roles within the cultural and historical landscape of the time. Through various historical and cultural perspectives, they seek to uncover the significance these allegories held for 18th-century society.