Items Similar to Memory and Thunder
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Cristina MittermeierMemory and Thunder
$4,500
£3,417.86
€3,931.17
CA$6,287.38
A$7,011.14
CHF 3,658.12
MX$86,029.36
NOK 46,561.98
SEK 44,116.46
DKK 29,339.74
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
"Memories and Thunder"
Kenya, 2025
Available sizes:
20 x 30 in / Edition of 6 - $4,500
32 x 48 in / Edition of 6 - $8,500
40 x 60 in / Edition of 6 - $16,500
50 x 75 in / Edition of 6 - $24,500
Cristina Mittermeier Narrative:
Some beings carry entire landscapes within them.
This portrait—titled Memory and Thunder—is a tribute to one of the last great tuskers of our time. Tembo, the Elephant King, stands tall in the center of the frame, his enormous tusks nearly brushing the earth. I chose a vertical composition to honor his scale, his majesty, and the presence he brings to the savannah simply by being.
He was born in 1972 in the Amboseli ecosystem and is believed to be the largest and oldest living elephant in the world. At 52, his movements have grown slower, more deliberate. But there is still fire in his eyes, and purpose in his steps. He continues to lead younger bulls—mentoring them not with force, but with quiet command. Watching him is like watching a river carve through land—patient, powerful, and shaped by a thousand seasons.
I often wonder what stories he could tell if we knew how to listen. How many journeys across the open plains he’s made. How many births, deaths, droughts, and rains he’s witnessed. How many herds he’s walked beside, and how many calves have watched him pass in awe, learning the silent language of elephants.
He carries all of that in his body—in the wear of his skin, in the arc of his tusks, in the deep, unhurried rhythm of his breath.
I chose sepia for this image, not to age him, but to honor the timelessness he embodies. It softens the moment into something sacred, something beyond documentary. In sepia, Tembo becomes not just an elephant, but a memory made flesh. A myth still walking.
And I wonder—does he know? That he is one of the last of his kind. That his presence is as rare and irreplaceable as rain in the dry season. That his life, lived freely beyond the boundaries of parks and fences, is a miracle made possible by the guardianship of the Maasai people, who walk beside him to protect what cannot protect itself from human hands.
He is not a relic.
He is a legacy.
And in his final years, he still gives. He gives us awe. He gives younger bulls a compass. He gives us a chance to imagine a world where such giants might continue to walk.
Memory and Thunder is more than a title—it is what I felt in my chest as I pressed the shutter. The echo of his story. The reverence of his presence. The deep, trembling privilege of having stood in the shadow of a king.
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU388316380222
Cristina Mittermeier
Cristina Mittermeier is a Mexican contemporary artist who began her career as a Marine Biologist, working in her native Mexico. For the past 25 years, she has dedicated herself to inspiring a global audience to care about the delicate balance between human well-being and healthy ecosystems. Her work has exhibited at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, The Miller Gallery, in Cincinnati, The Paul Nicklen Gallery, in New York, Xposure, in the UAE, Art Basel Miami, Terras de Salitre/Mar de Mares Festival, in Santiago, The Museum of Plastic Pop-Up, in New York, The United Nations Headquarters, in association with Disney and Girl Up, and at Fotografiska, in Stockholm, Sweden. Cristina is the co-founder of SeaLegacy, the founder and former president of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a board member for the WILD Foundation, an advisor on two major Conservation International programs, an esteemed public speaker and a recipient of multiple internationally recognized awards for her photography. In 2016, she received the Imaging Award for photographers who give back and in 2018, she was acknowledged as a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. She is the editor of 26 conservation photography books and her fine art coffee table book, Amaze, is in its second printing.
About the Seller
4.8
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1986
1stDibs seller since 2016
142 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chicago, IL
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllTembo King
By Cristina Mittermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
"Tembo King"
Kenya, 2025
Available sizes:
20 x 30 in / Edition of 6 - $4,500
32 x 48 in / Edition of 6 - $7,500
40 x 60 in / Edition of 6 - $10,500
50 x 75 in / Edition of 6 - $15,5...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Secrets, Bahamas by Cristina Mittermeier
By Cristina Mittermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
Secrets
Bahamas, 2021
20 x 30 in / Edition of 3 - $8,500
Also available:
32 x 48 in / Edition of 3 - $15,500
Archival Pigment Print printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper
Price...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Approach
By Cristina Mittermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
"Approach"
Norway
Available sizes:
20 x 30 in / Edition of 6
32 x 48 in / Edition of 6
40 x 60 in / Edition of 6
50 x 75 in / Edition of 6
Archival Pigment Print printed on Hahnem...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
The Traveler, Bahamas by Cristina Mittermeier
By Cristina Mittermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
The Traveler
Bahamas
20 x 30 in / Edition of 3 - $9,500
Also available:
32 x 48 in / Edition of 3 - $17,500
Archival Pigment Print printed on Hahnem...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Under Stormy Skies, French Polynesia by Cristina Mittermeier
By Cristina Mittermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
"Under Stormy Skies"
French Polynesia
20 x 30 in / Edition of 6 - $4,500
Also available:
32 x 48 in / Edition of 6 - $7,500
40 x 60 in / Edition of 6 - ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Below
By Cristina Mittermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
"Below"
The Bahamas
Available sizes:
20 x 30 in / Edition of 6
32 x 48 in / Edition of 6
40 x 60 in / Edition of 6
50 x 75 in / Edition of 6
Archival Pigment Print printed on Ha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
You May Also Like
Grey Legend, animal, wildlife, black and white photography, elephant
By Joachim Schmeisser
Located in München, BY
Edition 12
Available in different sizes and editions.
This elephant was named Primo. He was one of the big boys in the Amboseli Ecosystem in Africa with very long and impressive tu...
Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Grey Legend, animal, wildlife, black and white photography, elephant
By Joachim Schmeisser
Located in München, BY
Edition 7
Available in different sizes and editions.
This elephant was named Primo. He was one of the big boys in the Amboseli Ecosystem in Africa with very long and impressive tus...
Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Preserver of Peace I, animal, wildlife, black and white photography, elephant
By Joachim Schmeisser
Located in München, BY
Edition 5
LAST PIECE
Available in different sizes and editions.
This elephant Tim, is with his 51 years by far one of the last remaining big boys in Africa with tusks so long touch...
Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Primo, Kenya, Elephant, b&w photography, wildlife
By Joachim Schmeisser
Located in München, BY
Limited Edition of 5
More sizes and Editions on request.
Primo was one of the "Big Tuskers" and oldest bulls in the Amboseli National Park in...
Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Portrait of Tim, animal, wildlife, black and white photography, elephant
By Joachim Schmeisser
Located in München, BY
Edition 10
More sizes on request.
Tim was the biggest elephant bull in Amboseli Ecosystem in Kenya. He was one of the last really big tuskers in Africa. His tusks were so long that ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
The bull and the bird III, Elephant, animal, Africa, black and white photography
By Joachim Schmeisser
Located in München, BY
Edition No. 3/12
image size 28,5 x 37,5 cm
signed and numbered
Framed with mat and anti-reflex glass
This majestic elephant bull with an egret.
Joachim Schmeisser is represented by...
Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
More Ways To Browse
Rare Compass
Carved Tusk
Elephant Skin
Carved Elephant Tusk
Dry Compass
Elephant Chest
Andy Warhol Jed Johnson
Andy Warhol Jed
Michael Jackson Vintage Photo
Bobby White
Cherry Orchard
Gaucho Art
Baryshnikov Black And White
Big Sur Photography
Black And White Print Of Judy Garland
Johnny Cash Photography
Michael Kenna New York
Vintage Estee Lauder