“Psst, wanna see something cool?” I ask. It is something not every tourist knows about. Right here we have the Still Hunt Statue. This bronze sculpture depicts an American panther about to pounce. The Still Hunt Statue sits on a rock outcrop. It is above the East Drive at 76th Street.
Edward Kemeys, an American sculptor, created it in 1881. He was known for his animal sculptures. A group of anonymous donors gifted the Still Hunt Statue to Central Park. The name reflects the panther’s hunting posture.
When unveiled in 1883, some spectators were frightened. They were startled by the realistic predator. Even now, some visitors are surprised. Its placement adds to the illusion of a real animal. It is not on a pedestal. Instead, it sits directly on the rock.
Central Park’s original designers did not want monuments. Over time, sculptures were added. This type of subject matter fit the park. It served as a rural retreat.
Kemeys’ start as an artist is interesting. He worked clearing trees for the park. He spent free time at the menagerie near the Arsenal. Kemeys saw someone sculpting an animal. He thought he could do it too.
Kemeys visited the frontier. He studied wild animals in their habitats. This skill set him apart. Others only saw caged or stuffed animals.
The Still Hunt Statue is special. It is one of the few park statues in a natural setting. Most statues are on pedestals or walkways. Two other park sculptures show animals hunting. They are Tigress and Cubs and Eagles and Prey.
Park regulars enjoy a prank. They take guests past the Still Hunt Statue. Then they suddenly look up in fright.
The Still Hunt Statue stands over life-size. It is a bronze sculpture on a boulder. It is on the west side of East Drive at 76th Street. The fierce feline seems ready to pounce on joggers and bicyclists. It has been ready since the 1880s.
Kemeys created animal sculptures for the Columbian Exposition in 1893. His most famous works were two lions. They now stand in front of the Art Institute of Chicago. So next time you are in Chicago, perhaps you will think of our Still Hunt Statue.