Rhino Durer Engravings (1471-1528)

Description of Albrecht Dürer’s "Rhinoceros" engraving

The engraving is on wood. It was this image that had a tremendous influence on art. Until the 18th century, this image was used in all biology textbooks.

Dürer was able to draw the rhinoceros, yet he never saw it in person. At that time in Europe it was believed that this animal existed only in myths. It was synonymous with something incredible.

In 1512, the rhinoceros was presented to the Portuguese emperor, who was unspeakably surprised by such an unusual animal. The emperor had an overwhelming desire to impress the Pope. He decides to please him with such an unexpected gift and sends the rhinoceros to him. But the animal was transported by ship. The animal went berserk on the way. The rhinoceros made a hole in the ship, and the ship sank. All of Europe began to talk about this unusual beast. Dürer got his hands on a sketch of the rhinoceros made by a man whose name is unknown.

The master was able to depict this incredible animal in a wood engraving. It was Dürer who popularized it. The study of rhinos by his work continued even when Europe was already able to meet this beast in person. This surprised many people.

Dürer endowed the rhinoceros with fabulous features. For example, you can see another horn on its back. It has a shield on the front, and underneath its muzzle are the legendary armor. Some researchers are sure that these armor is not a figment of the artist’s imagination. Before the rhinoceros was presented to the pope, a whole performance was conceived. The rhinoceros was to fight an elephant. It is probable that this was the purpose for which the animal was clothed in this armor. An eyewitness saw it in them and sketched it.

Durer’s creation quickly became really famous. It was sold in a large number of copies. Thus, Salvador Dali created a sculpture depicting this animal.

Durer’s rhinoceros is still fascinating today. Most likely, the secret lies in the wonder that this unusual picture evokes.