Exhibition of a Rhinoceros at Venice

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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In 1751, a rhinoceros known as Miss Clara was publicly exhibited at the Venice Carnival, creating a sensation across Europe. She was the subject of poems, paintings, tapestries, medals and sculptures; ladies even styled their hair in the shape of a horn. Pietro Longhi painted this picture around the same time.In a rather solemn scene, Miss Clara stands in a simple enclosure, languidly munching on hay. She no longer has her horn -- the showman holds it in one hand, along with a whip to encourage the animal to move for the spectators, many of whom have masked faces. The background is limited to one wooden wall, but our attention is drawn to different textures: the black lace worn by the woman in the front and the silk dresses of those behind, and the rhino's rough, dark skin.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Exhibition of a Rhinoceros at Venice

Date

probably 1751

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 60.4 x W 47 cm

Accession number

NG1101

Acquisition method

Bought, 1881

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

View venue