Raden Saleh Tigers & Lions Fight Horse Lithograph, The Hague c.1845

Raden Saleh Tigers & Lions Fight Horse Lithograph, The Hague c.1845

A powerful and emotionally charged 19th-century lithograph after the celebrated Indonesian painter Raden Sarief Bastaman Saleh, one of the first internationally recognized Asian artists of the modern era. Created in The Hague between circa 1845 and 1865, this dramatic composition depicts tigers and lions locked in a violent struggle over the carcass of a fallen horse, an image that captures both the raw brutality of nature and the romantic fascination with exotic subjects in European art of the period.

Raden Saleh (1811–1880), often referred to as the “Javanese Romantic,” trained in Europe and became renowned for his dynamic animal scenes and expressive storytelling. His works were highly sought after in aristocratic and royal circles, and this composition reflects his mastery of movement, tension, and anatomical precision. The intertwined bodies of the predators form a dense, almost sculptural composition, heightened by strong contrasts of light and shadow.

This lithograph was executed by Franciscus Bernardus Waanders and printed by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Steendrukkerij of C.W. Mieling in The Hague, a leading lithographic establishment of the time. The print was also associated with publication in the mid-19th-century periodical *Kunstkroon* (Art Crown), further underscoring its cultural relevance.

The tonal richness and fine detailing of the lithographic technique translate Saleh’s painterly drama into a highly collectible graphic work. The subject, wild animals in combat, was particularly appealing to 19th-century audiences fascinated by both Romanticism and the expanding global perspective of the colonial era.

A striking and historically significant piece, ideal for collectors of animalier art, Indonesian-European cultural exchange, or dramatic Romantic compositions. Its monochrome palette also lends itself exceptionally well to refined interior settings, from classic Parisian studies to modern luxury environments.

This is an original 19th-century lithograph, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only.

Condition report:

Good overall condition for its age, with light toning to the margins and minor edge wear. Sheet edges show slight irregularities consistent with age. Image area strong and well-preserved. Plate mark visible.

Framing tips:

Exceptional in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or warm off-white mat. A deep mat margin enhances the dramatic composition and gives the work a museum-quality presence. Works beautifully in both classic interiors and darker “study” settings with focused lighting.

Technique: Lithograph

Maker: Franciscus Bernardus Waanders, The Hague, c.1845–1865