Tiger Hunt 1854

Eugène Delacroix made this “Tiger Hunt” using oil on canvas, a common medium for painting at the time. Look closely, and you'll see how the brushstrokes add to the drama. Delacroix applied the paint in short, energetic strokes that capture the movement and chaos of the hunt. The texture of the paint itself becomes part of the story. It is far from a smooth, classical surface. This loose, expressive style reflects a shift away from the highly polished academic painting that was popular at the time. Consider the labor involved. Preparing the canvas, mixing the paints, and the physical act of painting itself—all contribute to the final image. The social context of this work also plays a role; "Tiger Hunt" reflects the romantic fascination with exotic lands and the power dynamics of colonialism. Ultimately, this painting reminds us that art is not just about the subject matter, but also about the materials, the making, and the world in which it was created.