Curriculum Materials: Amazing Animals in
Art
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Image 6 African, Nigeria (Benin) Essays: Questions: |
Style
The artist has skillfully combined NATURALISM and STYLIZATION, depicting with some degree of accuracy the leopard's physical characteristics such as its sharp teeth, alert ears, lively eyes, and thick, heavy tail. Other features, while reflecting the actual appearance of a leopard, are simplified to create an ABSTRACT decorative effect. These include the regularly PATTERNED circles incised on its coat and the elaborate linear designs on the perky ears.
Portrayed with ambiguity, the leopard can be perceived as either fierce or friendly. The sculpture's fully rounded forms and immobile stance evoke a sense of stillness, even a beguiling tameness. At the same time, the animal's sturdy legs are taut with strength and tension, perhaps poised to spring, while the facial features bristle with the energy and ferocity of this stealthy, mysterious creature.
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