Yawning Panther

Close up of Yawning Panther

Bronze sculpture set on a polished green-gray stone base depicts a muscular panther with arched back and tail. The animal lies on its belly and stretches front and back legs out while opening its jaw in a convincing yawn, tongue protruding and teeth bared.
Bronze sculpture set on a polished green-gray stone base depicts a muscular panther with arched back and tail. The animal lies on its belly and stretches front and back legs out while opening its jaw in a convincing yawn, tongue protruding and teeth bared.
Anna Hyatt Huntington, Yawning Panther, 1917; Bronze, 5 1/2 x 14 3/4 x 5 1/4 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Gift of Wallace and Wilhelmina Holladay; © Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington

Anna Hyatt Huntington was a prolific artist known for her bronze animal sculptures. By combining classical features with modern abstract trends, Huntington developed a distinct style that captured the spirit of her subjects, such as Yawning Panther.

Huntington developed her intense attention to detail through close observation of animals at zoos, circuses, live animal shows, and farms. These experiences enabled her to create intimate portraits of domestic and wild animals and heroic equestrian monuments.

Yawning Panther depicts a panther during a quiet moment. It stretches its full length, crosses its front legs, and opens its jaws in a thoroughly convincing yawn. The curve of the panther’s bold head balances its elegant, taut tail and leads the eye over its muscular body.

With highly tactile fur and wrinkles in evidence, Yawning Panther demonstrates Huntington’s skill with the lost-wax method of bronze casting.

Artwork Details

  • Artist

    Anna Hyatt Huntington
  • Title

    Yawning Panther
  • Date

    1917
  • Medium

    Bronze
  • Dimensions

    5 1/2 x 14 3/4 x 5 1/4 in.
  • Donor Credit

    Gift of Wallace and Wilhelmina Holladay
  • Photo Credit

    © Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington
  • On Display

    No