Stuffed Jumbo (fragment) 

Sue Coe painted this fragment of “Stuffed Jumbo” without a known date using oil on canvas. Jumbo, a celebrated African elephant, met a tragic end after being struck by a train in 1885, an event that shocked and saddened the public on both sides of the Atlantic. Coe is an English artist known for her socio-political artwork, often addressing themes of animal rights and social injustice. The elephant, in particular, has a long history as a symbol of power, wisdom, and memory. It is often associated with royalty, divinity, and gentleness. But it is also a symbol of vulnerability when threatened by human activity. This is where the winged elephant becomes significant. Is Coe suggesting the elephant, like all living beings, is capable of transcendence, or is it being elevated into the realm of myth? Through the examination of newspaper articles, historical accounts, and scientific analyses, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues that this image raises.