Captured in a photorealistic black and white image, the antique carved wood sculpture of a baby hippopotamus standing on its hind legs exudes a rare blend of innocence and majesty. The depiction of the hippo, with its large eyes, pouty lips, and a wide mouth, appears both endearing and commanding, painted with deep indigo hues on its face, chest, belly, and tail, contrasted sharply against a dark, simplistic background that emphasizes its striking features. This image, reminiscent of the shading styles seen in works by Maxfield Parrish and Gustav Klimt, employs chalky, flat chiseled textures and symmetrical composition, enhanced by chiaroscuro lighting that adds a dramatic depth of field. The sculpture rests on a modest wooden platform, surrounded by a minimally adorned environment, making the hippopotamus the undisputed focal point of the composition. This artistic approach, particularly in how it employs shadow and light, adds a layer of surrealism to the photograph, demonstrating a creative application similar to techniques discussed in our guide on “How to use MidJourney –sref for unique art styles.”