Stalking Tiger 

Rosa Bonheur painted this "Stalking Tiger" with oil on canvas, creating an impressive depiction of feline power. The tiger dominates the composition, its orange coat vividly contrasting with the pale blues and browns of the landscape. Bonheur's detailed brushwork captures the texture of its fur, emphasizing the muscular tension in its body as it moves. The artist’s skill in rendering the tiger's form allows us to read the animal not just as a subject, but as a symbol of raw, untamed nature. This work taps into 19th-century interests in understanding nature through scientific observation, while also imbuing it with a sense of Romantic drama. Consider how the diagonal of the tiger's body and the subtle shifts in color contribute to the overall effect of controlled yet explosive energy. It’s a dynamic interplay, characteristic of Bonheur's ability to capture the essence and structure of the natural world.