Miss Clara and the Celebrity Beast in Art, 1500-1860

The book "Miss Clara: The Most Famous Animal of the Eighteenth Century" explores the phenomenon of the rhinoceros Miss Clara, the most famous animal of the eighteenth century. It accompanies the first ever major loan exhibition devoted to Clara and celebrity pachyderms in the UK and will offer a significant contribution to scholarship on the subject. The sculpture is one of only two known Barbers casts, and other celebrity beasts featured include elephants, Dürers, and hippos. The publication will consist of entries for the thirty exhibits, preceded by three essays.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2021
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing

Miss Clara, a magnificent rhinoceros, captivated the hearts of people during the 18th century. This captivating book delves into the fascinating story of Miss Clara, the most famous animal of her time. Accompanying the first-ever major loan exhibition dedicated to Clara and celebrity pachyderms in the UK, this publication will make a significant contribution to scholarship on the subject.

The latest installment in the Barbers acclaimed "object-in-focus" series, Miss Clara takes a closer look at a small bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros. It also explores other notable beasts, the emergence of menageries and zoos, and the significance of capturing and confining these majestic creatures within broader academic discussions of colonialism and empire.

Miss Clara's journey to Europe began in 1741 when she was brought from the Dutch East Indies by a retired Dutch East India Company captain named Douwe Mout van der Meer. Van der Meer toured Miss Clara around Europe, including England, where she garnered immense acclaim and excitement. Jungfer Clara, as she was named while visiting Würzburg in 1748, was the first rhino to be seen on mainland Europe since 1579. Her arrival sparked a remarkable phenomenon, with people captivated by her beauty and charm.

Her fame led to a thriving industry dedicated to souvenirs and imagery related to Miss Clara. Life-scale paintings by renowned masters, as well as cheap popular prints, captured her likeness and spread her fame far and wide. Even Clara-inspired clocks and hairstyles became popular, reflecting the widespread fascination with this extraordinary animal.

This book aims to examine the phenomenon of Miss Clara but with a unique focus on sculptural and 3D representations of her. By examining other celebrity pachyderms represented by artists between the 16th and 19th centuries, the book seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the artistic portrayal of these magnificent creatures.

Miss Clara, a magnificent sculpture created by the Barbers, is considered one of the finest animal bronzes of the Renaissance. The great German art historian and museum director Wilhelm von Bode praised it as the finest animal bronze of Renaissance, a testament to its exceptional quality. However, it's worth noting that von Bode mistakenly believed that Miss Clara was created during the 16th century, which showcases the enduring fascination and admiration for this remarkable sculpture.

The Barbers' cast of Miss Clara is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artists who brought her to life. The attention to detail and the lifelike expression on her face capture the essence of this magnificent animal, making her a beloved and iconic sculpture.

In conclusion, Miss Clara's story is a captivating tale of a remarkable animal that captured the hearts of people during the 18th century. This book, through its detailed examination of sculptural and 3D representations of Miss Clara, sheds light on the phenomenon of celebrity beasts, the emergence of menageries and zoos, and the significance of capturing and confining these majestic creatures within broader academic discussions of colonialism and empire. The Barbers' cast of Miss Clara is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artists who created this magnificent sculpture, and it continues to be a beloved and iconic piece of art.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 211 x 211 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913645021