The Four Continents: Europe - NYC, NY - Figurative Public Sculpture on Waymarking.com

The former U.S. Custom House, now a Museum, Court and Archives, was constructed 1902–1907. The Beaux-Arts style building is chock full of scultures, reliefs and murals. Four large sculptures on the front steps represent the four continents of Asia, Europe, America and Africa. This one represents Europe and is to the immediate right of the entrance. The artist is Daniel Chester French.

The Smithsonian Inventory (visit link) provides this description:

"Medium: Sculpture: Tennessee marble; Base: granite.

Dimensions: Sculpture: approx. 9 ft. 6 in. x 8 ft. x 11 ft.; Base: approx. 8 ft. x 7 ft. 4 in. x 10 ft. 2 in.

Inscription: D.C. French Sc./A.A. Weinman Asst. signed

Description: Seated female figure with left arm resting on a book placed over a globe, right arm leaning against a ship's prow. The Parthenon frieze is carved on her throne and she wears a Grecian costume. Behind the figure of Europe is Ancient History, depicted as an old woman holding a laurel-crowned skull and reading a scroll.

Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: The Four Continents: Europe Figure Type: Human Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Daniel Chester French Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 1903-1907 Materials used: Sculpture: Tennessee marble; Base: granite. Location: Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, 1 Bowling Green, NYC

Visit Instructions:
Please upload at least one photo you have personally taken of the sculpture and tell us a little about your impressions of the piece. Additional photos are always appreciated.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   01/05/2023 Ariberna visited it 05/17/2018 Trail Blaisers visited it 05/20/2017 Castor007 visited it 04/15/2016 jezevcik visited it 07/25/2013 Metro2 visited it

View all visits/logs