Bigorne 1600 - 1650

"Bigorne" is an anonymous etching from the 17th century, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. This artwork is a depiction of a monstrous beast, possibly a rhinoceros, with a human being in its mouth, a woman attacking a man in the distance, and a group of people looking on. The etching is characteristic of the 17th-century Dutch tradition of producing detailed illustrations for books and other publications. The detailed etching and the inclusion of a narrative scene suggests it was created for a book on natural history or perhaps a work of allegorical literature. The artwork highlights the fascination with exotic animals during this period, as well as the popularity of allegorical imagery and themes.