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

This book explores the captivating story of Miss Clara, an 18th-century rhinoceros, and examines her influence on art, celebrity culture, and the portrayal of exotic animals in the context of colonialism.

Miss Clara and the Celebrity Beast in Art, 1500-1860 delves into the captivating narrative of Miss Clara, a rhinoceros who became an iconic figure in the eighteenth century. This book coincides with the first major exhibition in the UK dedicated to Clara and other renowned animals, contributing significantly to the scholarship surrounding these celebrity creatures. It primarily focuses on a bronze sculpture of Miss Clara while also exploring the broader context of menageries, zoos, and the implications of capturing and exhibiting exotic animals during the era of colonial expansion.

Arriving in Europe from the Dutch East Indies in 1741, Miss Clara was brought by Douwe Mout van der Meer, a retired captain of the Dutch East India Company. Her tour across Europe, including England, sparked immense public fascination, as she was the first rhinoceros seen on the continent since 1579. Clara's popularity led to a surge in souvenirs and artistic representations, ranging from grand paintings to more accessible prints, and even inspired unique items like clocks and hairstyles.

The publication features thirty exhibits, accompanied by insightful essays from experts in the field. Robert Wenley, the exhibition curator, recounts Miss Clara's story and examines her sculptural representations, while Dr. Charles Avery discusses the portrayal of celebrity elephants in Europe during the 1500s to 1700s. Dr. Sam Shaw provides a perspective on the role of celebrity pachyderms in the context of private menageries and public zoos, framing them as symbols of empire and colonialism. Together, these contributions enrich our understanding of Miss Clara's legacy and the cultural significance of celebrity animals in art.