The Rhinoceros "Miss Clara"

The Rhinoceros "Miss Clara"

Johann Elias Ridinger

1748

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a rhino sitting sideways, its thick legs folded under its heavy body. The horns curve upward, and the eyes look forward with a quiet focus. The lines are loose but precise, capturing the animal’s bulk and texture. The paper is blue, and the artist used white chalk to highlight edges, making the rhino stand out. This was a common way to prepare sketches for later paintings. Next, check out Baroque to see how artists used drama and detail in their work.

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