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In Ambush

John Macallan Swan

1898

oil

canvas

From the collection of Philadelphia Museum of Art

Impressionism Late 19th Century Animal

Dominant colour

In Ambush is a 1898 oil by John Macallan Swan, a Impressionism work, held at Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: John Macallan Swan
When & what style?: 1898 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Philadelphia Museum of Art

About this work

This painting shows three leopards in a forest, lying on the ground. They are covered in spots and have their eyes closed, looking like they're resting. The forest is dark and green, with lots of leaves and branches. The leopards seem to be hiding, waiting for something to happen. It's a quiet moment, but you can sense that something might be about to change. Look up the artist, John Macallan Swan.