A Jaguar

Edward Kemeys

1885 · Bronze · The American Wing

America’s first animal sculptor, Kemeys studied his subjects in their native habitat during several expeditions to the American West. Here, the snarling beast resembles a coiled spring ready to propel itself toward an unknown threat. The enormous fangs, flexed tongue, flattened ears, and articulated claws digging into the rock produce an intimidating effect. The mark visible on many of Kemeys’s bronzes, a wolf’s head, is located near his signature.

Artist

Edward Kemeys

Date

1885

Medium

Bronze

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. James P. Paulding, 1918