The Death of Munrow

Unknown

ca. 1820–30 · Lead-glazed earthenware with enamel decoration · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This figure group records a specific historic event in which Hugh Munro, a British soldier, was killed by a tiger in India in 1791. Its composition was inspired by an almost life-size wooden sculpture depicting a tiger killing a European that was owned by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore in India. Tipu’s sculpture was seized by the British army in 1799 and brought to London, where it was put on public display. Its great popularity inspired the creation of the Staffordshire figure group.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1820–30

Medium

Lead-glazed earthenware with enamel decoration

Culture

British, Staffordshire

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, Funds from various donors, The Charles E. Sampson Memorial Fund, and The Malcolm Hewitt Wiener Foundation Gift, in memory of George Munroe, 2016