Still Hunt
Perched on a rock outcrop above the East Drive at 76th Street is the sculpture Still Hunt, which depicts an American panther in a low crouch, ready to pounce.
The American sculptor Edward Kemeys, known for his animal sculptures, created Still Hunt in 1881. The sculpture was donated to Central Park by a group of anonymous donors. The title refers to the crouching posture, characteristic of the panther while hunting. When it was unveiled in 1883, reporters in attendance noted that some spectators were frightened by the realistic portrayal of the giant predator. Even today some visitors are startled when they first come upon sculpture. Its understated placement, not on a pedestal but directly on top of a rock outcrop, adds to the illusion of coming across a real animal. Although the Park’s original designers did not envision monuments and sculpture as part of the Park, as they were added over time, this type of subject matter was seen as more fitting to its purpose as a rural retreat.
Two other sculptures in the Park depict animals hunting: Tigress and Cubs and Eagles and Prey.