De gevangen tijger 1876 - 1890

This print, ‘De gevangen tijger’ or ‘The Imprisoned Tiger’ by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, was created using a lithographic process sometime between 1880 and 1923. Looking closely, you'll notice the fine lines and delicate shading that can be achieved through lithography, a printing technique that relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The image begins with a drawing made with a greasy crayon or ink on a smooth stone or metal plate. The plate is then treated to fix the design and repel ink in the non-image areas. This particular print shows a barrel being used as a means of physical comedy, something anyone could do at home. The barrel itself is a product of skilled labor. Making the staves, assembling them tightly, and then securing them with hoops demands precision. Here, the contrast between the rough, handcrafted barrel and the implied slapstick humor raises questions about the social and cultural values attached to different forms of work and entertainment. Ultimately, the print invites us to reconsider the materials and processes that shape our everyday lives. It also challenges our assumptions about what constitutes art, craftsmanship, and cultural value.