Leopard Drinking 

Curator: This is John Macallan Swan’s "Leopard Drinking," part of the Tate Collections. Editor: There's something immediately vulnerable about the way it's drawn—almost like a sketch, unfinished. Curator: Indeed, its sketch-like quality reveals Swan’s fascination with capturing the animal's essence, beyond mere representation. The leopard, a symbol of power, is depicted in a moment of quiet vulnerability. Editor: And you see that vulnerability through the swiftness of the medium – the immediacy of graphite on paper, rapidly documenting the animal's form, feels key to its power. Curator: Precisely, that's where the magic lies, isn't it? Swan invites us to consider not just the physical prowess, but also the inner life of this majestic creature. Editor: Well, seeing the labor and quickness of it, that gives me a deeper appreciation for the physical process behind conveying such strength and quietude.