The Majestic and Graceful Giraffes, or Cameleopards, with some Rare Animals of the Gazelle Species

1838

Not on view

This elegant image was created as an announcement for an exhibition of animals-a gemsbok, an eland, a bontebok, a syrian goat and its kid, and two giraffes-that took place on Broadway near Broome Street in 1838. According to the accompanying text, the animals were captured in South Africa and brought to New York by John Clayton, who signed the print in black ink at the bottom. Clay, a Philadelphia native who moved to New York in 1837, was best known for his political caricatures but also created more naturalistic lithographs like this one. The keeper who tends the animals wears a turban and tunic over loose trousers, associated with North Africa or Turkey.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: The Majestic and Graceful Giraffes, or Cameleopards, with some Rare Animals of the Gazelle Species
Artist: Edward Williams Clay (American, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1799–1857 New York)
Publisher: Henry R. Robinson (American, died 1850)
Published in: New York
Date: 1838
Medium: Lithograph
Dimensions: image: 15 5/8 x 10 3/8 in. (39.7 x 26.3 cm)
sheet: 19 7/8 x 13 13/16 in. (50.5 x 35.1 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: The Edward W. C. Arnold Collection of New York Prints, Maps and Pictures, Bequest of Edward W. C. Arnold, 1954
Object Number: 54.90.699
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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