The Orphic Gazelle: A Critical Iconology of the Zoomorphic Trope in Franz Marc and Rainer Maria Rilke

The article explores the curious landing of gazelle in Franz Marc’s pictorial text (1913) and Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem (1907). An analysis iconographic apparatus sets foundations for a comparison to poetic restitution same zoomorphic trope. Concepts from Visual Studies recent iconological-anthropological schools thought support hypothesis migration across time medium gazelle’s symbolism iconicity. Further, critical iconology method reveals possibility autonomous expression trope idiosyncrasy produced by her torsion gaze direction. Consequently, offers new path decoding precise historical artistic attitude beyond expressionist pantheism. implications alienating Orphic are clarified when considered contextual works concern visual projection towards necessary turning point regarding ontological-aesthetic position. Beyond traditional symbolism, depicts transition toward formal experimentalism face impending First World War. It outlines capacity animal physicality describe its genesis. Moreover, it illustrates modern attitudes held culturally constructed change distancing herself hermeneutic overwriting while moving between coordinates.