Tiger, Lateral View, with Skin and Tissue Removed 1795 - 1806

George Stubbs made this anatomical drawing of a tiger in the late 18th century, using graphite on laid paper. It’s not exactly a traditional artwork, but rather a scientific illustration. Stubbs was fascinated by the natural world and devoted himself to accurately depicting animal anatomy. What's interesting here is the contrast between the delicate lines of the drawing and the brutal subject matter. The tiger is shown without its skin, revealing the muscles, tendons, and bones beneath. It’s a reminder that even the most beautiful creatures are ultimately made of flesh and blood. Stubbs’ anatomical drawings were groundbreaking for their time, and he made them through direct study. In his earlier work on horses, he undertook the dissection himself. The amount of labour that Stubbs put into understanding the tiger’s anatomy is evident in the meticulous detail of this drawing. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and science, revealing the skill and artistry involved in scientific illustration.