Thomas D. Mangelsen

(born 1945) "Shades of Sapphire – Leopard", Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, 2002

"Shades of Sapphire – Leopard", Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, 2002, 34"x48" Artist Proof Collection: 26/250

Footnotes

Thomas D. Mangelsen's tranquil meditation on an African leopard, Shades of Sapphire - Leopard is often mistaken for being a fine art painting. Over the course of his career, Mangelsen has enjoyed close friendships with a number of prominent artists, including some of the greatest wildlife painters of our time. Robert Bateman and the late Bob Kuhn have both used Mangelsen's images as reference for some of their important works. But here, the tables are turned and Mangelsen employs advice imparted by those masters.


Shades of Sapphire - Leopard captures the elusive cat lounging in a sausage tree in the Seronera section of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. It won the praise even of Bateman. As the title implies, myriad shades of sapphire, aquamarine and brilliant green lichens play off the jewel-like eyes of the big cat. In some tribal legends if one peers into the gaze of a feline predator, you can see eternity.


"Bob Bateman taught me, and demonstrated in his work, the power of repeating patterns, forms, shapes and negative space, which he employed to perfection. For the viewer, in considering all of the pieces including the leopard's signature spots, it is like assembling a puzzle."


Artist Proof Collection.

These prints are reserved for Mangelsen's personal use and may be displayed in museums, gallery showings, conservation events or sold to collectors on a limited basis. The Artist Proof Collection is an additional 10% of the edition number of each image in the Limited Edition Collection. Available in select sizes, these prints are sold at a higher premium due to their exclusive numbers. Each print has Mangelsen's signature and a unique edition number on the front. Each image comes with a signature card and a Certificate of Authenticity.