Olifant en neushoorn 1667 - 1717

This is Jan Griffier's etching of an elephant and rhinoceros, likely made in England sometime around the late 17th or early 18th century. The image depicts two exotic animals, recently brought to London from the East Indies. The print highlights the public's fascination with the natural world and the expansion of British trade routes. These animals, once foreign and mysterious, became objects of scientific curiosity and public spectacle. The image itself speaks to the social conditions of its time. Note the way the animals are presented, almost as combatants. Griffier’s image reflects a culture grappling with new encounters and the drive to categorize and understand the world. To gain a deeper understanding of this print, we might consult historical records of the East India Company or analyze contemporary scientific treatises. By situating art within its social and institutional contexts, we uncover the layers of meaning embedded in visual culture.