Who painted Leopards?

Leopards was painted by Samuel William Reynolds I in 1798.

Where can I see Leopards?

Leopards is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Leopards?

Leopards is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Leopards?

Museum-quality prints of Leopards are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Leopards

Samuel William Reynolds I , 1798

Leopards is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Samuel William Reynolds I. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:in plate, in image, at lower left: Northcote pinx
Markings: Marked:none

About this work

Overview

Leopards is a print created by Samuel William Reynolds I in 1798, utilizing a combination of etching, stipple, and roulette techniques on wove paper, as represented by this first proof.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dramatic encounter between two leopards. One lies down, mouth agape in a fierce expression, while the other stands over it, head tilted back in a roar. The scene conveys tension and wildness.

Technique & Style

Reynolds achieved detailed, high-contrast imagery through a mix of etching, stipple, and roulette. Sharp, dark spots define the leopards' fur against a lighter background. Quick, confident strokes convey muscularity and movement, balancing wildness with compositional control.

History & Provenance

This is the first proof of 'Leopards', dated to 1798. Further provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

Created in 1798, 'Leopards' reflects late 18th-century European interests in exotic wildlife and meticulous printmaking techniques. The use of multiple engraving methods was characteristic of the period's technical innovations.