Jaguar Lovers

Edward Kemeys, Jaguar Lovers, ca. 1888, plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of J. Willis Johnson, 1984.141.4
Copied Edward Kemeys, Jaguar Lovers, ca. 1888, plaster, 8 x 13 1⁄4 x 8 3⁄8 in. (20.3 x 33.6 x 21.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of J. Willis Johnson, 1984.141.4
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Jaguar Lovers
Artist
Date
ca. 1888
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
8 x 13 1⁄4 x 8 3⁄8 in. (20.3 x 33.6 x 21.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. Willis Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
plaster
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — jaguar
Object Number
1984.141.4
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.141.4

Artwork Description

The big cats of the American West fascinated Edward Kemeys. He believed that observing these creatures and their prey in their natural habitat was the only way to capture their mutual struggle for survival, and scorned the idea of sketching from caged animals at the zoo. The rough surfaces and strong compositions of his sculptures evoke the sense of freedom and power inherent to these formidable creatures.