Snarling Leopard

Accession Number
1955/1.142

Title
Snarling Leopard

Artist(s)
Edward Kemeys

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1907

Medium & Support
bronze

Dimensions
5 1/2 in x 12 3/16 in x 5 1/16 in (13.97 cm x 30.96 cm x 12.86 cm)

Credit Line
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker

Subject matter
This work is characteristic of Kemey's bronzes: he sought to portray the animalistic temperament, movement and behavior of great American beasts, favoring that over anatomically accurate studies. After studying in Paris, striving to stand alongside the famous French animaliers like Antoine-Louis Barye, he returned to North America to record the wildlife of America's vanishing frontier. Throughout his career, he created a number of works representing big cats, both alone and in family groups. With this work, Kemeys was particularly interested in capturing the nature of wild animals from the American West. His snarling leopard presents an emotionally-charged and powerful composition as the animal is ready to pounce on its prey.

Physical Description
This bronze sculpture represents a leopard. On a rocky outcrop, the animal is in a crouching position with its mouth slightly open. Its tail curls down by its hind leg, next to which the work is signed, inscribed in the clay model, "Edward S. Kemeys."

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Primary Object Type
animal figure

Additional Object Classification(s)
Sculpture

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Panthera pardus (species)
animal art
bronzes (visual works)
leopards
modern and contemporary art
sculpture
sculpture (visual works)

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted