Antoine-Louis Barye (1796-1875) was possibly the greatest animalier of the 19th Century. He was apprenticed to Fourrier, an engraver of military equipment, aged thirteen and made his debut at the Salon of 1827. In 1831 he won second prize for his Tiger devouring a Gavial. The present figure portrays the panther in a state of utter relaxation as it dozes in the afternoon sun.