Tiger

The composition focuses on the tiger as a symbol of latent power within a natural setting. By isolating the animal amid dense vegetation, Fenn emphasizes both the majesty of the beast and the quiet suspense of the wilderness, inviting viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between predator and environment.

Executed as a drawing, the work showcases Fenn’s precise line work and careful shading, hallmarks of his illustrative practice. The rendering of fur and grass relies on fine cross‑hatching and tonal variation, creating depth while maintaining the clarity typical of late‑19th‑century American illustration.

Created in 1897, the piece belongs to the later period of Fenn’s career, after his most active years as a leading illustrator (circa 1870–1895). *Tiger* entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of American drawing and illustration.

Fenn, an English‑born artist who settled in the United States, traveled extensively, producing images of both American and Indian landscapes. Although the drawing’s exact source is not documented, its subject suggests inspiration drawn from his experiences abroad, reflecting the era’s fascination with exotic wildlife and far‑flung locales.