Edward Kemeys
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Edward Kemeys (1843-1907) was an American sculptor who specialized in wild animal subjects, becoming one of the first American artists to focus exclusively on native American wildlife. Born in Savannah, Georgia, he served in the Civil War before taking up sculpture with no formal training, studying animals directly in Central Park and later in the wild.
Kemeys' most famous works are the two bronze lions flanking the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago, installed in 1894. These dignified, powerful figures have become symbols of the museum and the city itself. He also created animal sculptures for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and for Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.
Sculptures by Edward Kemeys
2 sculptures catalogued with museum locations. Browse all sculptures
Museums with Edward Kemeys's Work
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About Edward Kemeys
Kemeys created the two bronze lions at the Art Institute of Chicago (1894), which have become iconic symbols of the museum and the city. He was one of America's first sculptors to specialize in native wildlife.
The famous lions guard the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago. Other works are at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia and the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
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