Tiger On The Watch 1901

Wilhelm Kuhnert, a German artist, made this oil painting called ‘Tiger on the Watch’ at the start of the 20th century. It reflects a growing fascination in Europe with the natural world, as travel and colonialism brought new encounters with exotic animals. It is a formal painting, reminiscent of a portrait. The Tiger stands proudly as it poses for the viewer. The effect is to imply the mastery of humans over nature, particularly in colonial contexts. Kuhnert was known for his animal paintings based on studies in the Berlin Zoo, and later, direct observation in the African wilderness. As a result, his work reflects both scientific interest and the culture of big-game hunting. Paintings such as these, made at a time of great colonial expansion, show a world in which nature is something to be observed, classified and, ultimately, controlled. Art historians look at travel writing and colonial records to understand paintings like this. This helps us to better understand the relationship between art, science and power.