Elephant at a gallop

Gouache on paper.

Guided by the touch of the mahout’s ankus, this vigorous young elephant advances speedily in spite of the heavy chains attached to his ankles or gathered on his back. He is perhaps at the end of his aggressive mast period, as a dark discharge has streamed from his temple. The surging power of an elephant gathering speed is well conveyed by the artist.

To view a high-resolution version of this image and for further information please visit the Yousef Jameel Online Centre at the Ashmolean.