Leopard

Copied Paul Manship, Leopard, ca. 1932-1935, bronze, 14 7813 127 in. (37.834.317.8 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1965.16.28

Artwork Details

Title
Leopard
Artist
Date
ca. 1932-1935
Dimensions
14 7813 127 in. (37.834.317.8 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — leopard
Object Number
1965.16.28

Artwork Description

Paul Manship’s large figural groups are idealized and refer to mythic characters and stories. The artist used the same stylization in his animal sculptures as in his figural groups, but to different effect. In an intimate scale, this stylization accentuates the decorative quality of each animal. By exaggerating certain features or expressions, Manship also lets a little bit of their personalities peek through. This is especially visible in his gilded works, where the gold patina highlights the contours of the animal’s forms and their precise surface details. Many of Manship’s animal sculptures were originally created as part of his design for the gates of New York’s Bronx Zoo.