The Palace Guards 

This painting by Rudolf Ernst depicts a scene of a man standing guard in front of a chained tiger. The man is dressed in traditional Indian garb and the tiger is sitting at the bottom of a set of stairs. The painting likely depicts a scene from a palace or temple in India. The artist, known for his Orientalist paintings, uses detail and realism to create a visually captivating image. The scene suggests a sense of power and danger, with the tiger representing both a threat and a symbol of wealth and status. "The Palace Guards" is a compelling example of Ernst's ability to capture the exotic allure of Eastern cultures.