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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"
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