Olifant en neushoorn 1686 - 1696

Pieter van den Berge created this print of an elephant and rhinoceros. It reflects the 17th century European fascination with the exotic, a period of intense global exploration and colonial expansion. This etching captures the likeness of two animals that had just arrived in London from the East Indies. The rhinoceros, adorned with what looks like armor, is particularly striking. It raises questions about power dynamics and the control of nature during this time. How might the depiction of these animals reflect the broader colonial attitudes towards the East? What does it mean to present animals as objects of display and curiosity? The print invites us to reflect on the historical context of cross-cultural encounters and the way those encounters shape our understanding of difference. Consider how this image contributed to shaping European perceptions of the East. What narratives did it perpetuate, and what voices were silenced in the process?