Tiger Pinning down a Crocodile, Bronze sculpture in Tuileries Garden, Paris, France
Tiger Pinning down a Crocodile is a bronze sculpture in the Tuileries Garden that captures a fierce struggle between two large predators locked in combat. The work shows intricate modeling of the animals' bodies and the tense moment of confrontation frozen in metal.
The work was created in 1869 by French sculptor Auguste Cain and exhibited at the prestigious Paris Salon in 1870. Cain was known for his ability to capture dynamic movement and raw power in animal sculptures throughout his career.
The sculpture reflects how Parisians of the 1800s were drawn to wild animal scenes and dramatic natural encounters displayed in public gardens. These bronze works became a way for the city to showcase its fascination with nature and the animal kingdom.
The sculpture sits along the walking paths of the Tuileries Garden where visitors stroll regularly throughout the day. The site is accessible to those with mobility needs, making it easy to view from different angles.
Cain created this work after witnessing a real confrontation between a tiger and crocodile in a zoo setting. This firsthand observation of the actual fight gave the sculpture an authenticity that pure imagination could not achieve.
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