Alessandro Longhi

Alessandro Longhi’s impressive etching portrays the celebrated Indian rhinoceros Clara, who, following her arrival in Europe, became the sensation of a travelling exhibition that toured numerous cities – including Venice in 1751. This majestic creature, emblematic of the exotic and the marvellous, was displayed to the public with considerable splendour and theatricality.

In the background, her keeper holds aloft the animal’s broken horn as tangible proof of its authenticity – a detail rooted in fact, for the rhinoceros had reportedly lost its horn the previous year in Rome, an incident that entailed financial loss for its owner. Yet Longhi’s depiction extends beyond the mere portrayal of the animal. The surrounding Venetians, richly attired and masked, form a secondary spectacle in their own right. Their elaborate costumes allude to the carnival then taking place and imbue the scene with a subtle irony: as they gaze with fascination upon the exotic creature, they themselves become objects of curiosity; observers and observed exchange roles. In this fusion of natural wonder and masquerade, the zoological exhibition is transformed into a mirror of Venetian society – a delicate interplay of curiosity, theatricality, and self-display characteristic of the Enlightenment age.

The print is based on the painting Il Rinoceronte (1751) by Alessandro’s father, Pietro Longhi, now housed in the Palazzo Ca’ Rezzonico in Venice. Yet Alessandro’s version departs from the model in both composition and figural arrangement, attesting to the younger artist’s originality and independent creative spirit. A very fine, contrasting impression with thread margins at the top and bottom and narrow margins at the sides. Minor ageing and handling marks, otherwise in excellent condition.

EUR 12,000