American Wild Cats and Hunters – Antique Engraving by Mayer c.1840
This is an impressive 19th-century steel engraving titled 'America', published by Carl Mayer’s Kunst-Anstalt in Nuremberg around 1840–1850. The engraving depicts an exotic composite scene featuring three large American wild cats prominently displayed against a stylised jungle backdrop. At the top left is a cougar or puma (Puma concolor), to its right a vividly spotted jaguar (Panthera onca), and in the centre foreground a resting black jaguar, known as a black panther (Panthera onca).
Beneath these majestic felines unfolds a lively hunting scene: indigenous hunters and European explorers or settlers armed with rifles navigate dense forest vegetation accompanied by hunting dogs. One man is shown striking a tree with a machete or axe, possibly to fell it or to extract resin or rubber, while another raises his rifle as if alert to the presence of wildlife. In the distance, horseback riders traverse the tropical landscape, framed by towering palms and dramatic rocky outcrops.
This engraving forms part of an ethnographic and zoological series published by Mayer, designed to introduce European audiences to the wildlife, people, and landscapes of distant continents. The detailed rendering, combined with partial hand colouring on the jaguar, enhances its realism and period charm.
Condition report: Good condition for age. Light overall toning, faint foxing to margins, some minor creasing to corners and edges, not affecting the main image. Strong plate mark with fine detail preserved. No tears or repairs.
Framing tips: Ideal for framing with a natural linen mount and dark wood or ebonised frame to emphasise the dramatic contrasts and antique aesthetic. Suits natural history-themed interiors, libraries, or offices, adding a distinguished and educational touch with its depiction of South and Central American fauna and cultural imagery.
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