The Rhinoceros

The woodcut you're asking about, "The Rhinoceros" by Albrecht Dürer, is an iconic artwork from 1515. It depicts a rhinoceros in a highly detailed and stylized form. Dürer created this piece based on brief descriptions and a sketch from an unknown artist; he never saw a live rhinoceros himself, as it was sent from India to the King of Portugal. This explains why the depiction includes some inaccuracies and fantastical elements.In the artwork, the rhinoceros is portrayed with what appears to be armor-like skin, with riveted plates and scales, which is not anatomically correct. Its body is bulky and sturdy, showing heavy, textured skin folds. The creature features a prominent horn on its nose and another smaller one above it, with a pebbled texture covering its body. Its legs are sturdy and column-like, adding to the overall powerful and robust appearance of the animal.Despite its inaccuracies, Dürer's rhinoceros became a seminal image in Europe and influenced the depiction of the species in art and natural history texts for centuries. This artwork not only showcases the level of detail and skill in Dürer’s woodcuts but also reflects the fascination and curiosity about exotic animals in Europe during the Renaissance. The text above the image provides a description of the rhinoceros, its arrival in Lisbon, and its presentation, emphasizing its exotic origin and the wonder it inspired.