Many exotic species were seen for the first time in Europe. At first the pride of kings later they became visible to a much broader audience.
Europe drastically changed in the 15th and 16th century. Explorative expeditions widened the outlook on the world which resulted in explorers returning with the strangest animals. They inspired kings and noblemen to collect exotic objects and creatures which, unfortunately, remained mostly in private collections. Thanks to the rise of the printing industry, this knowledge spread. Everybody became curious about animals and things from new worlds. Later, shrewd showmen responded to this need and introduced cabinets of curiosities and menageries. These shows became an important aspect of the fair’s character.
Malayan Rusa Deer such as this were typical of the rather aristocratic animals in kept in 18th century menageries.
These Zebras are pulling a Chariot. This is an imaginary scene !
The animals in menageries at this time were kept both for what they were and what they represented. The connection between exotic animals and greatness is very clear in an image such as this.
Not all menagerie animals were large or fierce. An example is this Deep Blue Macaw.
The menageries of the 18th century in particular were populated largely by exotic animals, not necessarily the fiercest species, as was often the case in the 19th century. The Macaw is typical of an attractive exotic species that would have been a rich addition to a wealthy persons private collection. Similarly the Rusa Deer seen in another illustration, is typical of the sort of aristocratic animal, exotic game was often included in the menageries. Some species such as the Fallow Deer, which began life in collections, have naturalised in the wild.
This bookplate from 1821 shows a hunting Cheetah preparing to attack.
This later bookplate is based on the story immortalised by George Stubbs in his paintings Cheetah and Stag with Two Indians. This picture commemorates a real event of 1764 - the gift of a cheetah to George Pigot, Governor of Madras in India. The cheetah (trained as a hunting animal in India) was brought with its two Indian handlers to Windsor Great Park to demonstrate its hunting skills. A netted enclosure was set up before a large crowd in which the cheetah and a stag were let loose. Unexpectedly, the cheetah was tossed by the stag and then escaped from the arena. It then killed and ate a smaller deer in the park.
A copper engraving from circa 1715 showing the Menagerie of Versailles in Paris, France, that seemed to house an awful lot of flamingos.
The menagerie originated from royal courts. The Menagerie of Versailles was built between 1663 and 1668 by Louis XIV’s principal architect Le Vau. A small castle on a central viewpoint was surrounded by paddocks, ponds and shelters. A large number of exotic birds and mammals could be observed in semi-liberty. Really big fairground menageries with several sorts of animals didn’t appear sooner than in the second half of the 19th century.