Albrecht Dürer's Rhinoceros porcelain 10 oz Mug, exquisite art history drinkware for coffee lovers, perfect gift for art enthusiasts

Crafted from high-quality porcelain, this elegant white mug showcases Dürer’s famous 1515 artwork that has shaped Western perceptions of this magnificent creature for centuries. Its sleek and glossy finish not only elevates your beverage experience but also transforms your morning routine into a moment of artistic appreciation.

Designed for everyday use, this mug is both dishwasher and microwave safe, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hot drinks—from coffee to hot chocolate—without any hassle. The vivid representation of Dürer’s woodcut is flawlessly printed, ensuring its intricacy and vibrancy remain intact over time, making it the perfect conversation starter at home or in the office.

Whether you are treating yourself or searching for a thoughtful gift for an art lover or history enthusiast, this mug is a remarkable choice. Each sip offers a connection to the Renaissance and an opportunity to celebrate the intersection of art and science. Embrace the timeless legacy of Albrecht Dürer's "Rhinoceros" and make this exquisite piece a cherished addition to your collection today.

Product Features:

• Material: High-quality porcelain
• Capacity: 10 oz – Ideal for your favorite hot drinks
• Care: Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Design: © tazzarte.com
• Artwork: Open Access, Albrecht Dürer's Rhinoceros

Explore the Artwork:

Albrecht Dürer's Rhinoceros

Albrecht Dürer's woodcut "Rhinoceros" from 1515 is an iconic artwork that shaped the Western perception of the rhinoceros for centuries. Although Dürer never saw the animal in person, he created his depiction based on a written description and a sketch by an unknown artist who observed the rhinoceros in Lisbon. 

This portrayal includes several inaccuracies, such as an additional back plate and a scaly skin texture, which led to Dürer's image being accepted as an authentic representation of the creature for over 200 years. The widespread dissemination of the woodcut through prints and its inclusion in natural history works contributed significantly to its fame.

The story behind the creation is equally fascinating: In 1515, King Manuel I of Portugal received an Indian rhinoceros as a gift from the Sultan of Gujarat. This rhinoceros, the first living example in Europe since antiquity, caused a sensation. Dürer, upon hearing of this event, seized the opportunity to craft his interpretation of this exotic creature.

Versions of Albrecht Dürer's "Rhinoceros"

• First Edition (1515): The initial print shortly after the rhinoceros's arrival in Lisbon featured a five-line inscription. This is the version depicted on our mug, with the inscription omitted for aesthetic reasons, yet the illustration remains unchanged.
• Reprints After Dürer's Death: Following Dürer's death in 1528, the woodcut saw several reprints, particularly in the 1540s, and again towards the end of the 16th century.
• Chiaroscuro Version (post-1620): When the printing block was significantly worn, Willem Janssen (also known as Willem Blaeu) reproduced the woodcut in various colors without the original text.

Other Variants and Reproductions: Over the centuries, Dürer's "Rhinoceros" has been reproduced numerous times, sometimes with minor changes or using different printing techniques by various artists and printers.

For those interested in a deeper dive into Albrecht Dürer's "Rhinoceros" and its historical impact, the Natural History Museum in London provides an insightful article. You can find it here:The Legacy of Dürer's Rhinoceros.