Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised!) 1891

Henri Rousseau's "Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised!)" (1891), currently housed at the National Gallery in London, is a prime example of the artist's "naive" style. The painting depicts a tiger, startled by the storm, emerging from dense foliage. Rousseau's flat, simplified forms and vibrant colors, particularly the fiery orange of the leaves, create a sense of wonder and whimsy, drawing the viewer into the fantastical world he created. The artist, a self-taught painter, was a contemporary of the avant-garde, yet his work was often misunderstood and ridiculed. However, his originality and unique vision came to be appreciated posthumously, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the art world.