Artwork
The Display of the Elephant
The Display of the Elephant is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Pietro Longhi. It dates from 1751 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
About this work
Overview
The Display of the Elephant is an oil painting by Pietro Longhi, created around 1751. It is part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a large elephant on a raised platform, surrounded by people in 18th-century clothing. The scene conveys a sense of curiosity and fascination as the onlookers engage with the unusual animal.
Technique & Style
Longhi's use of oil paint captures the textures and colors of the scene, from the elephant's dark gray skin to the varied attire of the surrounding figures.
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Artist & collection
