Neushoorn in het water 1848 - 1927

August Allebé created this intriguing sketch of a rhinoceros in water, rendered with graphite. The rhinoceros, a symbol of raw power and untamed nature, has fascinated humans across cultures and epochs. Its image echoes through time, from prehistoric cave paintings, where the animal held spiritual significance, to the modern-day where the species elicits feelings of vulnerability and protection. Observe how the rhino is submerged, almost dissolving, into the water. Water, the element of fluidity and change, further enriches the psychoanalytic depths of this image. The image may tap into our collective memory, where primal fears and respect for the natural world intertwine. The image offers us more than a mere depiction of an animal. It’s a powerful testament to the enduring role of symbols in engaging with the human psyche. The image of the rhinoceros has persisted and evolved, reflecting our changing relationship with the natural world, oscillating between reverence, exploitation, and conservation.