Artwork
Tiger Resting
Tiger Resting is an oil painting by Pierre Andrieu. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Created in 1830, this oil on canvas portrays a solitary tiger at rest.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1830, this oil on canvas portrays a solitary tiger at rest. The animal lies on a plain surface, its body relaxed and its head turned slightly to the right, set against a softly rendered landscape with a cloudy sky. The work is part of the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a moment of quietude, suggesting the tiger has paused after activity, perhaps after feeding. The tranquil pose and gentle lighting convey a sense of calm, inviting viewers to observe the creature’s natural majesty without the drama of a hunt.
Technique & Style
Andrieu employs a palette of warm oranges and whites for the tiger’s fur, juxtaposed with darker, well‑defined stripes. Loose brushwork in the background creates atmospheric depth, while careful modeling of the animal’s musculature gives it three‑dimensional presence. The overall effect balances realism with a hint of romanticized landscape.
History & Provenance
Painted by French artist Pierre Andrieu in the early nineteenth century, the piece entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century. Its provenance prior to museum ownership remains documented only by the institute’s records, confirming its attribution to Andrieu.
Artist & collection
