A Bengal tiger

Both A jaguar (lot 161) and Bengal tiger were painted when the artist was just eighteen years old. In the following year, 1839, Huggins exhibited Head of a Caffrarian Lion at the Liverpool Academy, selling it for seven guineas. His choice of exotic animal subjects was made possible by the proximity of the city Zoological Gardens, and Wombwell's travelling menagerie, which he was reputed to have stalked on its local circuit.

Huggins was to live most of his life around Liverpool, where he retained a strong following amongst collectors. In 1861 he went south to Chester, returning there in the late 1880s after a period in Bettws-y-Coed, where he had moved in 1876.

For more information upon the artist please see the previous lot.