Tiger

The captivating drawing Tiger, executed by Eugène Delacroix in 1830, showcases the artist’s mastery of the watercolor medium. Classified as a drawing, this spontaneous piece captures the fierce beauty of the large cat with expressive freedom, typical of the Romantic movement flourishing during the 1826 to 1850 period. The technique employed here demonstrates the immediacy and fluidity that watercolor affords, allowing Delacroix to emphasize texture and dynamic movement over strict academic linearity, often utilizing rapid brushwork to suggest the animal’s powerful form.

Delacroix, the preeminent figure of French Romanticism, often turned to subjects of drama, history, and, crucially, wildlife. His profound fascination with zoological specimens and the sublime power of nature informed his animal studies, of which this is a prime example. Unlike many of his Neoclassical contemporaries, Delacroix consistently prioritized color and energetic execution to convey emotional intensity and subjective experience. Although the scale is intimate due to the medium, the raw, untamed power of the tiger is palpable, reflecting the profound Romantic interest in the exotic and wild aspects of the natural world.

This exceptional study highlights the foundational role that sketching and rapid watercolor techniques played in Delacroix’s broader artistic output and his development as an animalier painter. Today, the work is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it serves as an important record of the artist's preparatory methods and stylistic exploration. As this drawing is recognized for its historical significance and widespread availability, high-quality prints of the powerful Tiger are widely distributed, ensuring that the artistry of this influential French master remains accessible in the public domain.