Liggende tijger, naar rechts 1864 - 1936

Jan van Essen sketched this resting tiger in pencil, a form as old as time itself. Even prehistoric cave paintings reveal our fascination with this magnificent beast, embodying primal power. The tiger, a symbol of courage and ferocity, appears across cultures. In Asia, it’s a guardian, a protector against demons, often adorning temples and clothing. But consider how the Western eye has transformed this image. From Delacroix's romantic visions of untamed nature to more contemporary works, the tiger becomes a symbol of exoticism, and a projection of our own untamed desires. Observe the tiger’s relaxed pose here; it's a moment of quiet contemplation, a pause before the hunt, suggesting a latent power. It stirs something deep within us—a respect for the natural world, a recognition of forces both beautiful and dangerous. This sketch, in its simplicity, captures the enduring allure of the tiger, a symbol that continues to resonate through the ages.