Rhinoceros (one of a pair) 19th century

This striking earthenware figure of a rhinoceros was created by Ralph Wood the Younger in the late 18th century. The glossy, mottled glaze in earthy brown tones immediately captures your attention. The strong horizontal lines of the rhinoceros's body are contrasted by vertical striations suggesting a sort of armor. The piece resonates with an era of scientific exploration and classification; a time when the natural world was being meticulously cataloged. It presents a tension between observation and artistic interpretation. The rhinoceros, an exotic animal to 18th-century Europe, is rendered with a degree of anatomical accuracy yet stylized for decorative appeal. Consider the base, a mound of greenery that seems both naturalistic and artificial. It serves to elevate the figure, turning it into a display piece, an object of curiosity, and status. The figure invites us to reflect on the role of art in mediating our understanding of nature and the world.