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1552 Munsters War Elephant of India
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1552 Munsters War Elephant of India
1552 The Cosmographia, Book V, of Sebastian Munster (the early latin edition from the Basel printing house of Sebastian Heinrich Petri). Woodcut plate in text. Published the year Munster died of plague. The woodcut illustrates the account of Alexander the Greats conquest of India, and the greatest battle against Porus. The battle took place July 326BC. Alexander managed to cross the river Hydapses (the Jhelum). But Porus sent his 200 strong elephants against the Macedonian cavalry and threatened to overwhelm them. During the battle Alexander overtook Poruss left wing, forcing it back upon the elephants. They panicked and ran into the Indian ranks. Alexander won the day, capturing Porus, but allowing him to continue to govern the territory in his name. The woodblock shows Europe was already quite familiar with the elephant. A long history in warfare was known from Hannibal and before
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319253
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
16th Century Asian Elephant Battle Black And White Early Gesner Gessner India Military Pachyderm Plague Pliny Printing Weapon Wood Cut Alexander The Great Indian Elephant Mono Chrome Munster Regnault
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This print showcases a woodcut plate from the renowned "1552 Munsters War Elephant of India" book, part of Sebastian Munster's Cosmographia. Published in the same year that Munster succumbed to the plague, this woodcut depicts an account of Alexander the Great's conquest of India and his epic battle against Porus in July 326 BC. The image vividly portrays Alexander's daring crossing of the river Hydapses (Jhelum) and Porus' strategic response by unleashing his formidable force of 200 elephants upon the Macedonian cavalry. The intensity and danger are palpable as these majestic creatures threaten to overwhelm Alexander's troops. However, during a pivotal moment in the battle, Alexander successfully outmaneuvers Porus' left wing, driving them back into their own ranks where panic ensues. This decisive move ultimately leads to victory for Alexander, who captures Porus but allows him to continue governing under his name. What makes this woodblock particularly intriguing is its depiction of Europe's familiarity with elephants in warfare even before this encounter between Alexander and Porus. It serves as a reminder that these magnificent creatures had long played significant roles on ancient battlegrounds—Hannibal being one notable example. Paul D. Stewart expertly captures this historical artwork through monochrome imagery, emphasizing its timeless appeal. As we admire this black-and-white illustration, we are transported back to an era when art served not only as visual delight but also as a means to document important events and cultural encounters across continents.
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