The Four Continents by Pierre Paul Rubens

A vast geographical and cosmic allegory, this majestic work personifies the four great rivers of the known world and their respective continents. The painter Pierre Paul Rubens joins wild nature and humanity in “Les Quatre Continents” to celebrate the immensity of creation. This painting embodies Baroque art through the athletic power of river gods and the presence of impressive exotic animals.:::::The four river gods and their female companions are gathered in an aquatic setting beneath a shelter of reeds and drapes. In the foreground on the left, the god of the Nile seen from behind leans upon an overturned antique urn near a young Black child. On the right, the god of the Danube with an athletic body sits beside a blonde nymph with a milky complexion. At the bottom of the composition, a menacing crocodile with an open mouth rests in the water near small putti playing on its shell. To the right, a roaring tigress nurses her cubs under a leafy tree. Golden light illuminates the backs of the deities and makes the foaming water in the foreground sparkle.:::::Pierre Paul Rubens displays exceptional expertise in depicting wild animals and powerful musculature. His brilliant handling of oil paint infuses wild energy as well as striking realism into this allegory of the world.