It is incredible to realize how history is a cycle. The only difference is that today we have it easy; discovering and exploring of new things or creatures is on our hands thanks to technology and Internet. I can imagine the citizens of Lisbon waiting at the port on May 1515; their faces and amusement when they saw the rhino, a creature they could never thought exists. Also, is sad to realize the we "humans", we are idiots since day one. How someone thought re-gifting the rhino was a clever idea? The rhino was exposed to enough stress on the first trip to Lisbon to be transported to Marseilles and then to Rome, of course it was animal cruelty but no one will stand for him/ her when curiosity and the gaining of the Portugal empire was on the line. The only comfort and tribute for "Ganda" was Durer woodcut and the early sculpture by the Tagus tower.
Even though Durer rhino was mostly from imagination, it gives the viewer the idea of this massive animal. Durer work from letters and sketches that came thru people who had the opportunity to see the rhino live. Sadly getting references from others usually leads to misinterpretation. The rhino was always perceived as a beast. Also, it is interesting how Durer woodcut piece inspired others to create their own or "improved" versions of this animal. As well as how other artist took the rhino woodcut as a initiative to transform this pieces using different mediums and approaching the animal with other interpretations.
No comments:
Post a Comment