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UNICORNIS by Madeline von Foerster |
| Author: |
Madeline von Foerster |
| Year: |
2009 |
| Description: |
UNICORNIS by Madeline von Foerster
2009, Oil and Egg Tempera on Panel
42 x 69 inches; 107 x 175 cm
This painting portrays an actual Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) whose horn was sawed off by poachers in Kaziranga National Park, India, in 2008 (she bled to death 35 hours later). The Trompe l'oeil carved environment surrounding her represents the ever-tighter encroachment of humanity into wildlife's remaining reserves (symbolizing re-appropriated trees, and thus, felled forests). Within this architecture dwell the human lusts and choices which will ultimately decide the fate of remaining Rhinoceroses. Inside the left-hand column, we see the rhino horn utilized for status (in the Yemini jambiya dagger), for ornament (the decorative European drinking vessel) and for medicine. However innocent these purposes might seem, they have already decimated Rhino populations, in what has been called "the single greatest mammalian conservation failure of the twentieth century.
As grim as the threats are to Rhinoceroses, the righthand column in the painting displays possible remedies by which Rhinos can be saved. The effigy of the Hindu god Vishnu, the "Preserver," represents the people of India, whose pride in their natural heritage might help to protect the animals from avarice. Modern chemistry may create a substitute to Xi Jiao (rhino horn) for medicinal purposes. And even traditional practice offers a solution: the bouquet depicts three plants used in traditional Asian medicine (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., Acorus calamus, and Rehmannia glutinosa Steud), which have been found in a recent study to have anti-bacterial or anti-inflammatory properties superior to rhino horn.
A Fine-art giclee of this painting is available; be sure to mention the RRC if you order, and the artist will gladly make a $25 donation to the RRC.
To buy a print: http://www.skink-ink.com/mvf_unicornus.html<br>To visit Madeline von Foerster's website: www.madelinevonfoerster.com |
| Location: |
Asia |
| Subject: |
Culture - Art |
| Species: |
Indian Rhino |
| File Size: |
829,4 kb |
| Dimensions: |
1200x731 px |
| High-res: |
 To view the high resolution image please register and contact the moderator |
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UNICORNIS by Madeline von Foerster
Image details from the RRC Image Gallery: 