Lion

This lifelike representation of a resting lion was carved by the Paris-trained artist A. Phimster Proctor, whose particular talent for animal sculpture is apparent here in the convincing description of the cat's anatomy and attitude. Raise on the frontier in Denver, Colorado, Proctor had developed an affinity for wildlife and a passion for hunting that he ultimately shared with Brooklyn Museum trustee George D. Pratt. An active patron of the artist as well, Pratt purchased this work from Proctor in 1910 (prior to the inscription of the date 1912), originally for presentation to Pratt Institute. Pratt also presented the Brooklyn Museum with ten small Proctor bronzes including nine animal subjects and a Native American figure.