Boy and Panther Cub

1915

Boy and Panther Cub, 1915. Malvina Hoffman (American, 1887–1966). Bronze; overall: 171.5 cm (67 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of John L. Severance 1942.797 Female American artist Malvina Hoffman created this garden sculpture featuring a male youth holding a small panther cub with his left arm while dangling a bunch of grapes over its open mouth. This particular bronze cast was commissioned by prominent Cleveland industrialist John L. Severance and was given to the museum after his death. The tender relationship between the boy and panther cub depicted here suggests harmony between humankind and nature.