Edward Kemeys, Sleeping Jaguar, ca. 1870-1907, plaster, 11 1⁄2 x 13 1⁄4 x 8 1⁄2 in. (29.2 x 33.7 x 21.6 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of J. Willis Johnson, 1984.141.10
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Sleeping Jaguar
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1870-1907
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 11 1⁄2 x 13 1⁄4 x 8 1⁄2 in. (29.2 x 33.7 x 21.6 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of J. Willis Johnson
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- plaster
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Animal — jaguar
- Object Number
- 1984.141.10
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.
