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A tiger crouches low in thick jungle foliage, its back arched and teeth bared. It is not entirely clear what is happening: is the tiger cowering from the flash of lightning, or is it stalking prey? Surprised! was the first of around 20 ‘jungle’ paintings that Rousseau produced, which are among his most popular works. These jungles are entirely imaginary: Rousseau never left France, despite his claim that he had served with the French army in Mexico. The foliage is a mix of domestic house plants and tropical varieties, which he had seen at the Botanical Gardens in Paris. Rousseau was a self-taught amateur artist who took up painting as a hobby. He viewed his painting very seriously, despite facing ridicule from some quarters. But a number of artist and writers, particularly from the avant-garde, hailed him as an important figure.
Title
Surprised!
Date
1891
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 129.8 x W 161.9 cm
Accession number
NG6421
Acquisition method
Bought, with the aid of a substantial donation from the Hon. Walter H. Annenberg, 1972
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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