Chasse de l'autruche et de l'éléphant - Charles Aubry

A detailed nineteenth-century lithograph by Charles Aubry illustrating the methods used in the hunting and capture of ostriches and elephants.

This lithograph by Charles Aubry depicts various scenes related to the hunting of ostriches and elephants. The composition functions as a visual narrative, featuring multiple vignettes arranged across the page. Each section provides a specific observation of the hunting methods employed during the period. The upper portion focuses on the pursuit of ostriches, showing riders tracking the birds across open terrain. The central and lower sections detail the capture and handling of elephants, including scenes of elephants within a fenced enclosure and men interacting with the animals.

Aubry employs a precise, descriptive line quality typical of mid-nineteenth-century French lithography. The work serves as an ethnographic or natural history illustration, intended to inform the viewer about distant customs and wildlife. The text surrounding the images provides context for each scene, explaining the tactics used by the hunters. The arrangement of the vignettes creates a sense of movement and sequence, guiding the eye from the initial pursuit to the final capture. The artist balances the action of the hunt with the structural elements of the enclosures, providing a clear view of the tools and techniques involved. This print reflects the European interest in exploration and the documentation of non-European environments during the nineteenth century. The monochromatic palette emphasises the clarity of the line work, allowing the viewer to focus on the details of the figures, the animals, and the surrounding vegetation. It is a piece of historical documentation that captures a specific perspective on human interaction with the natural world.