Allegory of Europe, from the Four Continents

Engraving, part of a series of four oval prints, signed and dated 1575, with allegorical representations of the four parts of the world in the form of feminine figures laying on landscapes endowed with their attributes, surrounded by animals. This representation of Europe consists of a half-laying woman, reclining on the back of an ox. She is dressed with a light dress, her breasts uncovered, wears a wreath of laurel leaves, and holds a branch with laurel or olive leaves in her right hand. The crown is likely a symbol of the superiority of Europe, which reigns over the rest of the world. By including a branch of laurel leaves, attribute of virtue and truth, or an olive branch, attribute of peace, justice, and charity, Delaune is highlighting the virtue of Europe. The idea of virtue is also highlighted by the ewer that lies at the feet of the personification of Europe, an attribute of temperance, and a symbold of prudence and patience. Other than the ox, the woman in the print is surrounded by animals: a horse, a deer, a dog, and a goat. The horse might be a symbol for the military superiority of Europe, while the ox, deer, and dog reinforce the connection between Europe and virtue: the ox being linked with work, the deer being an attribute of prudence, and the dog symbolizing friendship, love, and charity.