A Chance Encounter with a Tiger During an Elephant Hunt

William Henry Florio Hutchisson

William Henry Florio Hutchisson’s "A Chance Encounter with a Tiger During an Elephant Hunt" captures the dramatic intensity and adventure of colonial-era hunting in India. Painted circa 1835-37, this oil on canvas (56 x 72 cm.) exemplifies Hutchisson’s fascination with Indian wildlife and hunting culture, a subject he often explored as both an artist and avid sportsman. Set in Bengal, where Hutchisson lived for 18 years, the painting showcases the perilous moment of a tiger hunt from atop an elephant, a vivid illustration of the era's hunting traditions. Rich in detail and energy, the artwork reflects the artist's real-life experiences, as recounted in his memoirs, Pen and Pencil Sketches. This work is part of Hutchisson's series on Indian hunting scenes, making it a significant testament to British encounters with India’s untamed wilderness in the early 19th century.