The Thibetan antelope before 1869

Arthur Lucas rendered this image of a Tibetan antelope, likely in the late 19th century, capturing its distinct features. The most striking aspect is undoubtedly the pair of long, elegant horns reaching skyward, a symbol deeply rooted in various cultures. Consider the ancient Minoans, who revered the bull for its virility, often depicting its horns in sacred contexts. These horns, symbols of power and fertility, resonate across millennia, reappearing in diverse forms like the Viking helmets or the headdresses of ancient deities. Even the devil, in Christian iconography, borrows this ancient symbol, twisting its meaning. The image of the antelope’s head might evoke a primitive sense of trophy and conquest, linking it to the archaic human practice of hunting for survival and dominance. This primal instinct stirs within us, engaging our subconscious to make us consider our complex relationship with the natural world. Here, these horns also speak to our long-standing fascination with the animal kingdom.