Tigress Attacked by a Tiger While Nursing her Young, from "Le Magasin Pittoresque"

Tigress Attacked by a Tiger While Nursing her Young, from "Le Magasin Pittoresque" by Eugène Delacroix, is a powerful example of 19th-century French printmaking. Executed as a wood engraving, the work is documented as the second and final state, showcasing the technical precision required for the medium. Created in 1853, this image was originally intended for reproduction within the popular illustrated journal, Le Magasin Pittoresque, making it accessible to a wide audience during the height of the Romantic movement.

The subject matter aligns closely with Delacroix's lifelong preoccupation with dramatic tension and the raw power of nature. Known for his Romantic sensibilities, Delacroix frequently depicted scenes involving large cats, and this print captures the intense moment of a defensive tigress protecting her vulnerable young from a rival male. The composition focuses on the violent confrontation, a subject consistent with Delacroix’s masterful handling of the animal kingdom and the inherent struggle for survival. The dense hatching and deep contrasts characteristic of wood engravings effectively enhance the emotional intensity of the scene, making the dynamic struggle between the massive tigers palpable.

As a fine example of 19th-century prints, this work demonstrates how Delacroix’s powerful compositions successfully transitioned across various media, moving from original oils and watercolors into mass-reproduced formats. Today, this significant piece is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving a vital component of Delacroix's graphic output. Its inclusion in major museum collections ensures that high-quality prints of this dramatic animal subject are often available through public domain initiatives, allowing wider study of the artist's engagement with the raw violence and beauty of nature.