The fin de siècle French populace was captivated by exotic and dangerous subjects, such as the perceived savagery of animals and peoples of distant lands. Tigers on the prowl had been the subject of an exhibition at the 1885 École des Beaux-Arts. Emmanuel Frémiet's famous sculpture of 1887 depicting a gorilla carrying a woman exuded more savagery than anything in Rousseau's canvases, yet was found acceptable as art; Rosseau's poor immediate reception therefore seems the result of his style and not his subject matter.
The late 19th-century French public was enthralled by unusual and hazardous subjects, including the perceived ferocity of wild animals and people from far-off lands. A tiger stalking its prey had been featured at the 1885 École des Beaux-Arts. Emmanuel Frémiet's celebrated sculpture of 1887 depicting a gorilla carrying a woman radiated more savagery than anything in Rousseau's paintings, yet was considered suitable as art; Rosseau's cool initial response therefore appears to be due to his artistic style rather than the subject matter itself.