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Photographer
Unknown artist
Date1875-1900
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsOverall: 11 1/4 × 8 5/8 in. (28.6 × 21.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of James Garfinkel, Class of 1980; Transferred from the Art History Department
Object numberS2018.2.110
Not on view
DescriptionPhotograph depicting Longhi's 1751 painting, "Exhibition of a Rhinoceros at Venice."
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.
Collections
Additional Details
Provenance
2018: Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, by transfer from the Art History Department;
likely by 1985 - 2018: Hamilton College (Art History department), by gift of James Garfinkel;
c. 1981-85: James Garfinkel, likely by purchase at auction in London.
likely by 1985 - 2018: Hamilton College (Art History department), by gift of James Garfinkel;
c. 1981-85: James Garfinkel, likely by purchase at auction in London.
Markings
Verso, center, (blue stamp): "NATIONAL GALLERY PHOTOGRAPH / NOT TO BE REPRODUCED / WITHOUT PERMISSION"
Inscribed
Verso, upper margin center (pencil): "Pietro Longhi: / Exhibition of a Rhinoceros at Venice / c. 1751"
Verso, center of page (pencil) : "1101"
Verso, center of page (pencil) : "1101"
Maria Poveka Martinez
Date: c. 1925-43
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 2018.3.4
Silvia Saunders
Date: c. 1930s
Medium: Gelatin silver print
Object number: 1969.7.7
Silvia Saunders
Date: unknown
Medium: Gelatin silver print
Object number: 1969.12.4
Silvia Saunders
Date: 1933
Medium: Gelatin silver print
Object number: 1969.11.5
Thomas Nast
Date: published September 9, 1876
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.338
Childe Hassam
Date: August 26, 1915
Medium: Etching and drypoint
Object number: 2002.8.1
Thomas Nast
Date: published December 16, 1871
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.159
Thomas Nast
Date: published November 15, 1873
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.223
Thomas Nast
Date: published May 8, 1875
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.282
Thomas Nast
Date: published July 10, 1875
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.290