Tiger in a Tropical Storm
Henri Rousseau · 1891
Why it's great
A tiger crouches amid lashing leaves, rain and lightning, hunting its prey. Rousseau's first jungle painting wasn't based on a real jungle trip but on books and plant gardens. The result is fantastically vivid. It made the art world see his 'naive' style as magical.
👀 Look closer!
Feel the wind in the leaves! Where do you see the lightning flash?
Where to see it
📍 National GalleryLondon, United Kingdom
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Henri Rousseau was born in Laval, France, and worked as a tax-and-toll collector, earning the nickname 'Le Douanier' (the customs officer). He taught himself to paint and began exhibiting in his forties. His jungle scenes, painted from visits to the Paris botanical garden, were mocked at first but later admired by Picasso and others. He died in Paris in 1910.
