Artwork
Tiger Hunt
Tiger Hunt is an unspecified painting by the Rajput painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1985.64
- Credit line
- Gift of George P. Bickford
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a dramatic chase in which a mounted rider thrusts a spear into a tiger, while two foot soldiers engage the animal with swords. The scene is rendered with vivid pigments and simplified, flat figures, characteristic of the regional artistic tradition.
Subject & Meaning
The composition illustrates a tiger hunt, a motif that reflects themes of bravery and the human struggle against nature. The central rider’s aggressive posture and the coordinated attacks of the other men convey a narrative of collective effort and valor.
Technique & Style
Executed in the style of the Kota school, the painting employs bright, saturated colors and a two‑dimensional treatment of forms. Figures are arranged in layered, cut‑out-like planes without chiaroscuro, emphasizing narrative clarity over illusionistic depth.
History & Provenance
Originating from the small Indian kingdom of Kota, the piece belongs to a body of work produced by local artists who adhered to the distinctive aesthetic of the region. Its provenance traces back to the courtly patronage typical of Kota’s artistic output.
Context
The Kota school flourished in a period when regional courts favored decorative, narrative paintings for ceremonial and storytelling purposes. This work exemplifies the school’s preference for bold coloration and flat compositional arrangements, aligning with contemporary visual conventions of the area.
Artist & collection
