Tiger Rolling on Its Back

Art Historical Context

Antoine-Louis Barye a pioneering French sculptor of the Romantic era (1796–1875), masterfully captured the wild energy of animals in his works, earning him the title "father of the animalier school." *Tiger Rolling on Its Back*, delicate watercolor on heavy wove paper (9 3/16 x 11 5/8 in.), showcases his keen observation of nature. Though best known for dynamic bronze sculptures of beasts in motion—studied live at Paris's Jardin des Plantes—this drawing reveals his skill in two dimensions, likely a preparatory study highlighting the tiger's playful yet powerful roll. Created during Barye's prolific career, the piece reflects 19th-century Romantic fascination with untamed nature and exotic animals, symbols of raw vitality amid industrialization. Watercolor's fluid transparency suits the tiger's supple form, allowing subtle fur textures and luminous highlights on the heavy wove paper, prized for its smooth surface and durability. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (H. O. Havemeyer Collection, 1929), this intimate work invites visitors to appreciate Barye's blend of scientific precision and artistic passion, bridging sculpture and sketch in celebrating the tiger's majestic whimsy.

About the Artist

Antoine-Louis Barye · 1795–1875

Antoine-Louis Barye (1795–1875) was born in Paris on September 24, the son of goldsmith Pierre Barye and Marguerite Barye. Following family tradition, he apprenticed as a goldsmith under his father and, around 1810, with Martin-Guillaume Biennais, goldsmith to Napoleon. After brief military service, Barye pursued sculpture, studying under François-Joseph Bosio in 1816 and painter Baron Antoine-Jea...