Olifant 1856 - 1897

Henri-Charles Guérard created this striking etching titled "Olifant" – the Dutch word for elephant – in the late 19th century. Guérard was active during a time when Europe’s colonial reach extended to Africa and Asia, continents where elephants were native. The representation of the elephant here is a reminder of the complex relationship between the West and the East, where exotic animals often became symbols of imperial power and colonial conquest. The gaze of the elephant is directed away, perhaps suggesting a sense of captivity or displacement, inviting us to think about the animal's experience. The sharp lines and contrasting shades used by Guérard evoke a rawness and immediacy, which is juxtaposed with the gentle nature of the subject. This work exists within a larger history of how animals are portrayed and perceived, often reflecting human biases and cultural narratives.