Audience for a Giraffe: European Exceptionalism and the Quest for the Exotic
This article compares the sudden appearance of three giraffes in three quite unexpected settings: China in the 1420, Florence in the 1490s and France in the 19th century. These giraffes, exotic objects by definition, can help understand how these three societies defined, and reacted to, the alien other. By comparing Chinese and European reactions, we get insights into what it was that made Europe exceptional in its imperialist expansion. By comparing Renaissance and 19th century reactions, we get insights into the changing nature of European imperialism.
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