Artwork
Head of a Tigress.
Head of a Tigress. is a print by the Romanticist artist John Frederick Lewis. It dates from 10 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Head of a Tigress is an engraved print that depicts the animal’s head turned slightly to one side.
About this work
Overview
Head of a Tigress is an engraved print that depicts the animal’s head turned slightly to one side. The composition isolates the tiger, set against a pale background that accentuates the creature’s form and expression.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures a close‑up view of a tiger, with ears alert, whiskers defined, and a partially opened mouth that reveals its teeth. The direct gaze and poised stance convey a sense of latent power, suggesting the animal is ready to spring.
Technique & Style
Executed in a realistic manner, the engraving employs fine line work and careful shading to render the texture of the fur and the subtle contours of the face. The artist’s attention to detail creates a lifelike surface that emphasizes the animal’s muscularity and intensity.
History & Provenance
The print is based on an original drawing that once belonged to Sir Thomas Lawrence, who served as President of the Royal Academy. The engraving reproduces Lawrence’s composition, translating his drawing into a printable medium for wider distribution.
Context
While the image is not directly linked to a specific artistic movement, its emphasis on dramatic animal portrayal aligns with the broader Romantic interest in nature’s wild and emotional aspects, a theme common in early 19th‑century visual culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Frederick Lewis (1804–1876) was an English Orientalist painter. He specialized in Oriental and Mediterranean scenes in detailed watercolour or oils, very often repeating the same composition in a version in each…
