Lopende figuren Possibly 1877

John Macallan Swan captured this study of a walking tiger, "Tigresse Flambeau," in watercolor around 1877. The tiger, a symbol of untamed power, has captivated artists and cultures across millennia. Its presence resonates with a primal energy that evokes both fear and awe. Think of the tiger's representation, from ancient Mesopotamian art to Indian mythology, where it is the mount of Durga, the warrior goddess. Even in our modern psyche, the tiger remains a potent emblem of strength and ferocity, adorning sports teams and brand logos alike. There's a reason this image has transcended epochs. It touches upon something deeply rooted within us. The tiger embodies a powerful psychological force, tapping into our subconscious understanding of nature's raw intensity. Its stripes are not merely patterns, but emblems of an enduring, almost archetypal energy. The eternal return of the symbol, ever-present and evolving in our collective consciousness.