I think its even more interesting to think of it as not a self portrait- but as an expression of what that elephant finds beautiful. The sun, and other elephants in motion under the sun. Thinking about it that way, for me, makes me see what i have always suspected- that other animals out there can apprehend and admire beauty.

Also notice how the tail is exaggerated, as is the slope of the back. I wonder if those are aesthetics that elephants find beautiful, like how humans are drawn to symmetry in faces.

If they appreciate beauty, perhaps they too are capable of philosophy? Now if we could only hear their thoughts... instead of just see them...

Yeti