De olifant
ca. 1485
Martin Schongauer, a master engraver of the Northern Renaissance, captured this majestic beast around 1485, likely relying on sketches and stories rather than a live model! Notice the clever monogram 'M + S' at the bottom—his signature stamp of approval. The elephant is decked out in elaborate harnesses and carries a castle-like tower on its back, reflecting the era's fascination with ancient war elephants. It's a fantastic example of how 15th-century artists blended limited observation with wild imagination when depicting creatures from far-off lands.
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