"The Rhinoceros" Mug by Albrecht Dürer

Discover Dürer’s Iconic "Rhinoceros" – A Timeless Masterpiece on Your Mug

Experience Albrecht Dürer’s legendary Rhinoceros on a beautifully crafted mug—an artwork that has shaped the Western perception of this fascinating creature since 1515. Although Dürer never saw the animal himself, he relied on reports and sketches from Lisbon to create an image that became a cultural icon for centuries.

Product Details

• Material / Capacity Options:
  • 11 oz / Standard size (ceramic)
  • 15 oz (ceramic)
  • 10 oz (porcelain)
• Care: Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Safety: Lead-free and BPA-free
• Artwork:
  Albrecht Dürer, "The Rhinoceros," 1515, Woodcut, 9 3/16 x 11 1/2 in. (23.3 x 29.2 cm), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Curated & designed by © tazzarte.com

Historical Context

Albrecht Dürer’s Rhinoceros profoundly influenced Western art and science for over two centuries. Created in 1515, the woodcut was based on written descriptions and a sketch by an unknown observer in Lisbon. Dürer’s depiction included imaginative elements—such as a distinctive armor-like texture and an additional dorsal plate—shaping the public’s perception of the animal for generations.

The backstory is equally compelling: In 1515, King Manuel I of Portugal received an Indian rhinoceros from the Sultan of Gujarat, the first seen in Europe since antiquity. Inspired by this rare event, Dürer created his now-famous interpretation, which was widely distributed in natural history books and art collections.

From Original to Modern Reproductions

Dürer’s first edition woodcut, printed in 1515, set the standard for future representations. Our mug features this iconic version, elegantly adapted without the original inscription for a clean, modern look.

Key moments in the evolution of Dürer’s Rhinoceros:

• 1515: The original print following the animal's arrival in Lisbon
• 1540s & 16th century: Numerous reprints with stylistic variations
• Post-1620: A chiaroscuro version by Willem Janssen in color, omitting the text

For an in-depth exploration, visit the Natural History Museum London.

Own a Piece of History – Elevate Your Coffee Ritual with Timeless Art.