Staande olifant, van achteren, en een poot 1732 - 1789

This red chalk drawing of an elephant, seen from behind with a detailed study of its foot, was created by Petrus Camper. The elephant, a symbol of wisdom and memory, extends far back into antiquity. In many cultures, it embodies strength, dignity, and intelligence. Yet, viewing it from the rear, as Camper does, introduces a unique perspective. Traditionally, the elephant in heraldry and art faces forward or to the side, projecting power and dominance. Here, we are invited to contemplate its presence, almost meditatively. Consider the motif of the animal—the elephant—as it strides through history, evolving from a symbol of royal power in ancient India to a representation of gentleness and sagacity. Its appearance varies wildly: sometimes as a godlike figure, other times as a beast of burden. It carries cultural memory with it, transformed by each encounter and each artist's rendition. The emotional weight carried by this image is profound, resonating with our deepest, often subconscious, understanding of the natural world and our place within it.