Research Assignment #1: The First Lisbon or Durer Rhinoceros of 1515 (Chapter 1)

 I prefer Albrecht Dürer's woodcut because Dürer's is more detailed in the texture of the rhinoceros. In my opinion, his use of shading and mark making made the rhinoceros more real and almost fantastical in the more polished look of the rhinoceros' face. The smooth parts of the rhinoceros are contrasted with the rougher areas to create an aesthetic similar to a knight. This creates a fantastical element that doesn't exist in Hans Burgkmair's woodcut where the rhinoceros looks like an average farm animal instead of a valiant warrior.

(Albrecht Dürer)

(Hans Burgkmair)

I found Giovanni Giacomo Penni's depiction of the rhinoceros to be the most amusing because compared to all the other depictions we are shown it is quite simple. Honestly, I found it rather cute and felt bad for the sad little rhinoceros. The rhinoceros also reminded me of an armadillo which I found amusing due to the disparity in size between the two creatures, which made me imagine an armadillo sized rhinoceros.