Who painted A Sleeping Leopard?

A Sleeping Leopard was painted by George Stubbs in 1791.

Where can I see A Sleeping Leopard?

A Sleeping Leopard is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is A Sleeping Leopard?

A Sleeping Leopard is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

A Sleeping Leopard

George Stubbs , 1791

A Sleeping Leopard is a print by the Romanticist artist George Stubbs. It dates from 1791 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1980.90
Credit line: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund

About this work

Overview

A Sleeping Leopard is a print by George Stubbs, a renowned artist known for his detailed depictions of animals.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a leopard asleep on a rocky outcropping, its fur illuminated by dappled sunlight. The leopard's anatomy is rendered with precision, suggesting a deep understanding of its physical structure.

Technique & Style

Stubbs employed soft-ground etching to capture the textures of the scene, including the roughness of tree bark and the softness of the leopard's fur. This technique allowed him to transfer the textures directly onto the printing plate.

Context

Stubbs' work was informed by his study of anatomy and likely his observations of animals in London's menageries, which housed exotic creatures from around the world.