A majestic elephant stands defiant. Its massive form is locked in a struggle with a ferocious tiger. This is the Éléphants attaqués par un tigre sculpture. It’s not just a statue it’s a frozen moment in time. A dramatic scene from a hunting expedition in 1888 Nepal.
Prince Philippe d’Orléans a member of the British army found himself in a dangerous situation. A tigress fiercely defending her cubs attacked his elephant. The resulting chaos is captured in breathtaking detail in this sculpture.
The Éléphants attaqués par un tigre isn’t just about a thrilling hunt. It’s a testament to the skill of Georges Gardet the French sculptor who created it. Gardet’s work was part of the 1931 International Colonial Exposition. It’s a remarkable example of 19th-century taxidermy. A truly unique Victorian monument.
The sculpture’s journey is as captivating as its subject matter. Initially displayed near the Palace of Fine Arts the Éléphants attaqués par un tigre found its permanent home in the Parc Maurice Thorez in Choisy-le-Roi. It was acquired by the French state and gifted to Paris before making its way to Choisy-le-Roi in 1952.
The Éléphants attaqués par un tigre stands at 3.28 meters tall 4.60 meters long and 1.77 meters wide. It is a stunning piece of artwork. It’s a captivating display of raw power and primal instinct. More than just a sculpture it’s a piece of history a reminder of a thrilling hunt and the artistic skill of Georges Gardet. It remains a powerful symbol even today. The sculpture is more than just metal. It is a story waiting to be told again and again.