Tamme olifant 1629

"Tamme Olifant" (1629), an etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, showcases an elephant brought to Europe in 1629. The intricate detail of the etching captures the elephant's anatomy, from its wrinkled skin to its massive legs. The accompanying text describes the elephant's various actions, such as kneeling and carrying a man on its back. Hollar's mastery of line work and use of shading imbues the image with a sense of realism, highlighting the fascination Europeans held for exotic creatures during the 17th century. The print's historical context makes it a valuable source for understanding the cultural exchange between Europe and the East in the early modern period.