Girafa. / Giraffe. / Girafe 1829 - 1880

This print of giraffes was created by firma Joseph Scholz. The composition here presents a scene dominated by the verticality of the giraffes' forms, which are echoed by the trees in the background, creating a structured rhythm of lines. The light, pastel shades lend the image an airy feel, yet the density of the animals and foliage creates a certain tension. Note how the arrangement doesn't just depict giraffes, but also directs our gaze. The giraffes are placed so that they interact with each other, establishing a relational dynamic within the picture. Semiotically, the giraffes function as signs, representing not just the animal but also ideas of nature, exoticism and the visual conventions of representing such subjects. The work challenges the traditional notions of scientific illustration by incorporating elements of artistic composition and design. Consider how the formal choices here—the use of color, line, and form—transcend mere representation, offering a glimpse into the cultural and philosophical values attached to the natural world in the artist's time. The way we perceive and interpret these giraffes is shaped not just by their biological reality, but by the artistic and cultural codes embedded in the image itself.