The exhibition of the rhinoceros in the centre of Ghent was advertised in the newspaper of 23 March 1752 (source 6501). Clara was then 14 years old. They were on the way to Lille in northern France (distance of 75 km).
The house called Hemelrijk existed at the Donkersteeg and Goudenleeuwplein in the centre of Ghent.
inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be
Literature
- Van der Ham 2022: 119 note 106, and p. 185, note 229 – dates 23 to ? March 1752 – cf. Gazet van Gent
Source 6501. Gazette van Gendt, 23 March 1752
Douwe Mout 1752. Gazette van Gendt Thursday 23 March 1752.
Original text (Dutch)
Dat alhier is aengekomen, een Levendig Rhinoceros, het welck de eerste is van die sordt dat hier is geweest, en sig alhier maer weynigge dagen sal op houwen, en van hier naer Ryssel gaen de selve is in Asia in ‘t Lendt van den groote Mogol gevangen, en in ‘t Jaer 1741, met het Schip Knapen Hof, van Bengalen naer Hollandt overgebrocht, en weght 5000. pondt swaer, tot syn dagelyckx onderhout Eet h 60. pondt Hooy, 20. pondt. Broot, en Drink 14. heemers water, en is soo tem als een Lam, en is 14. Jaer Oudt, en groyt 25 Jaer alsoo nog maer een half: en wordt 150. Jaer Oudt, de schouwplaets is in een Kamer in Hemelryck se Putte, de Heere en Dames betaelen de Persoon idern 1. Schelling de Heere Cooplieden 4. stuyvers de bedienders, en minder 10. Oortjes.
English translation
That has arrived here, a lively Rhinoceros, which is the first of that kind that has been here, and will only stay here a few days, and from here it will go to Ryssel [Lille]. It was captured in Asia in the land of the great Mogul, and in the year 1741, with the ship Knapen Hof, brought over from Bengal to Holland, and weighs 5000 pounds heavy, for its daily sustenance. Eats 60 pounds of hay, 20 pounds. Bread, and Drink 14. of home water, and is as tame as a lamb, and is 14. Years Old, and grows 25 Years so only a half: and becomes 150. Years Old, the place of worship is in a Room in Hemelryck se Putte, the Gentlemen and Ladies pay the Person each 1. Shilling, the Lord Merchants 4. Stuyvers, the servants, and less 10. Oortjes.
