Chasse au Tigre

Art Historical Context

Visitors to the Smithsonian American Art Museum are invited to discover *Chasse au Tigre* (Tiger Hunt), a captivating graphic arts print by the enigmatic artist J. T. Fliport. Though the exact date remains unknown, this work bursts with drama, depicting a tense hunting scene featuringoping horses, fierce tigers, and a group of figures amid a rugged landscape. The French title hints at European artistic influences, evoking the thrill of exotic adventure that captivated 19th-century audiences fascinated by far-off wildernesses and big-game pursuits. As a print in the graphic arts tradition, *Chasse au Tigre* showcases the medium's power to capture motion and intensity through intricate lines and shading, allowing for widespread sharing of such dynamic narratives. Likely produced via techniques like etching or engraving, it reflects the era's sporting art trends, where hunts symbolized human triumph over nature. Donated to the museum by William Page Howell, this piece enriches the Smithsonian's collection, offering a window into historical fantasies of exploration and bravery. Fun fact: Tiger hunts were romanticized in Western art during colonial times, blending realism with excitement—perfect for imagining yourself in the saddle! (198 words)