Fight between a Lion and a Tiger 1797

James Ward created this painting of a "Fight between a Lion and a Tiger," using oil paint on canvas. This work vividly captures a moment of primal struggle, focusing on the raw intensity and physical drama of the fight. The texture and weight of the oil paint contribute to the overall impact of the scene. Ward's skillful use of brushwork and color, applied in layers, enhances the muscularity and ferocity of the animals. Considering the artistic techniques and traditions of the time, we find a connection between painting and craft through the preparation of materials, such as grinding pigments and stretching canvas. However, the painting’s subject matter also hints at the social context of early 19th-century England, where wild animal fights, alongside other brutal ‘sports’, were spectacles that served as distractions for a disenfranchised working class. These events served to reinforce social hierarchies and celebrate power. Ward's painting challenges traditional distinctions between high art and craft, highlighting the value of both material and subject in conveying powerful messages.