Leopard c. 1972

LeRoy Neiman created this painting of a leopard with broad strokes and vibrant colors. The leopard, since ancient times, has been more than just a wild cat; it's a symbol laden with cultural weight. We can trace the image of the leopard back to antiquity. In ancient Egypt, the leopard skin was worn by priests, signifying power and divine protection. This potent symbolism resurfaces in Greek mythology with Dionysus, often depicted wearing a leopard skin, linking the animal to ecstasy and liberation. Over centuries, the symbolic power of the leopard has shifted and adapted, yet its essence of power remains. Consider how it appears in heraldry, or even in contemporary fashion, continually evoking a sense of primal energy. This painting serves as a reminder that images carry a life of their own, transcending time and evolving in meaning through a complex web of cultural memory.