Friends of the National Zoo – ZooFari 2014 Online Auction
Auction Ends: May 18, 2014 09:00 PM EDT

Animal-Made Art

An Elephant Painting an Elephant!

Item Number
167
Estimated Value
850 USD
Sold
2100 USD to tfc49be7f
Number of Bids
23  -  Bid History

Item Description

The fact that elephants can paint often surprises people, and the story of authentic elephant art is an interesting and unique one!

It actually is a rather simple taught behavior, but interestingly some elephants are more artistic than others. The mahout puts the brush with paint into the trunk and the elephant paints abstractly. For more elaborate paintings, the elephants paint what they have been taught, which is done by a series of verbal commands, and at the beginning the mahout guides them through the process. Once the elephants learn the moves, they will paint the same thing again, though often with slight modifications made by each elephant. Each elephant painting is an original. This painting was done by an elephant at the National Elephant Institute (or also known as the Thai Elephant Conservation Center). 

The process uses an easel where the artist has plenty of room, and the very best quality handmade art paper from HQ PaperMaker™ and Fabriano and quality imported European acrylic art paints. Approximately 36"x28" (framed). 

Item Special Note

The winning bidder can arrange to pick up the item at the National Zoo. Please email: store.inquiry@si.edu to arrange your pick-up. Otherwise, the bidder is responsible for the Shipping and Handling fee, which will be added to the winning bid amount.

Donated By:

Dr. Janine Brown