Elephant and Camel (reverse copy) 1663 - 1700

Wenceslaus Hollar made this print of an elephant and a camel, around the mid-17th century. Notice how Hollar uses fine, dense lines to meticulously render the texture and form of the animals. The elephant dominates the foreground, its massiveness emphasized by the intricate cross-hatching that defines its skin, suggesting a rough, almost palpable surface. The camel, positioned slightly behind, is similarly detailed, though its form is somewhat obscured by the surrounding foliage and other animals. The composition is structured to draw our eye to the elephant, which serves as the focal point. This work, as a copy, raises questions about authenticity and reproduction. What is gained or lost when an image is replicated? Hollar's print invites us to reflect on how images circulate, transform, and take on new meanings across different contexts and times.