Capturing the Cat

The arrival of big cats to 19th-century London forced a change in the image left by mythology and the Old Masters. 

After seeing lions, tigers and leopards on the streets of 19th-century London, the engraver John Landseer decided that the depictions of big cats by Old Masters were bogus. Big cats could now be seen in the city due to a booming trade in exotic wildlife that brought animals from distant lands into public view. Relentless maritime expansion and a buoyant economy had seen London emerge as the trade capital of Europe. Each week, hundreds of foreign animals and birds arrived at its docks for sale to city menageries and travelling street shows.

To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive.

Buy Online Access  Buy Print & Archive Subscription

If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.

Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.

 

Art