Bengal Tiger
1829
Lithograph in black on light gray China paper laid down on ivory wove paper (chine collé)
32.5 × 46.4 cm (12.8 × 18.3 in)
SEE IT IN PERSON
● On view now — Gallery 220
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
Delacroix’s largest pair of pendant prints features a monumental lion (1927.1646) and a regal tiger (seen here), presented in a kind of face-off. Ancient Roman games regularly pitted Barbary lions and Bengal tigers against each other. Into the late 19th century, they were still made occasional enemies for entertainment and profit, as in one heavily wagered bout to the death in India. While this particular big cat may appear passive compared with the ravening lion, the tiger usually triumphed in these showdowns.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
More by Eugène Delacroix
More like this
Eugène Delacroix (French, 1798–1863) — Tigre Royal
John Murphy|James Northcote|John & Josiah Boydell — A Tyger
George Stubbs — A Sleeping Leopard
Antoine-Louis Barye (French, 1796–1875) — Study of a Tiger
Dead Leopard
George Stubbs — A Tyger (A Recumbent Leopard by a Tree)
Antoine-Louis Barye — Study of a Tiger
George Stubbs — A Tyger (A Recumbent Leopard by a Tree)
Eugène Delacroix (French, 1798–1863) — Tiger Sleeping at the
Johann Höchle — Lion with Cubs
Antoine-Louis Barye — Tiger
Antoine-Louis Barye — Royal Tiger