“La Belle Africaine” arrived in 1820s Paris and immediately became a sensation. She was a giraffe from Sudan, transported as a baby on the back of camels, shipped across the sea, and walked to court to be presented to the King of France: Charles X.
As a giraffe had not been seen in France before the sight of the long-necked, spotted and dainty creature caused a storm. Giraffomania changed the course of fashion, dress and hair, and art. Ornaments were created in her image, and fans. Hairbrushes could be purchased and “giraffe yellow” became a colour, much in demand.
The fad lasted only a few years but the taxidermied remains of the unfortunate beast are still in a museum collection.
Read more:
Leave a Reply