Jaguar (Felis onca) by John Woodhouse Audubon, 1845

John Woodhouse Audubon’s Felis onca, The Jaguar. Female. (1845) is a magnetic example of Victorian zoological illustration at its best: scientifically attentive, yet composed with theatrical poise. Executed in the mid-19th century, this natural history study captures the jaguar in a poised, mid-stride moment that reveals the cat’s muscular power, patterned coat, and keen, alert expression. It emerges from a period of intense exploration and cataloguing of the animal world, when artists like Audubon translated firsthand observation into images that were both instructive and enthralling.

This listing offers a museum-quality fine art print of the original work, produced on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Each print is made with long-lasting, pigment-based inks to preserve the rich greens, warm oranges, and earthy browns that define the scene. The Unique Maps Co. offers multiple sizes and framing options, with the ability to add a title caption, matting, or a personalized dedication—ideal for tailoring the piece to your space or gifting needs.

John Woodhouse Audubon, son of the famed naturalist-artist John James Audubon, carried forward the family’s commitment to field study and faithful depiction of wildlife. Skilled in translating observation into form, he produced images that bridged art and early zoological science, building on the period’s hunger for reliable visual records. His work helped illuminate North and South American fauna for a growing audience of readers, collectors, and naturalists.

This female jaguar—Panthera onca, historically known as Felis onca—stands as a quintessential subject of 19th-century naturalism. The mid-1840s were the heyday of illustrated natural history, when images such as this served as both study aids and cultural touchstones. The composition places the cat within a living environment, a carefully rendered habitat that amplifies the animal’s presence while offering contextual clues to behavior and range.

Look closely at the color and pattern: the jaguar’s rosettes, defined by warm ochres and deep black, are articulated with exceptional precision, while the surrounding foliage moves through lucid greens and soft brown shadows. Gentle gradient shading and smooth, deliberate strokes lend depth to the cat’s flanks and the textured bark of a nearby tree. The result is a striking balance of motion and stillness—anatomically exact, yet alive with narrative tension—that makes this a compelling centerpiece for a study, library, or living room.

An elegant and thoughtful gift, this print suits occasions from Christmas and Mother’s or Father’s Day to housewarmings and birthdays—especially for natural history enthusiasts, cat lovers, and admirers of 19th-century art. It’s equally meaningful for anyone who has recently traveled to or dreamed of the Americas’ wild places, where the jaguar remains an enduring symbol of strength and mystery.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.