Guépard assis (Seated Cheetah)

1961

Cheetah – Habitat Fragmentation and Destruction – Endangered Species

Paul Bianchi, a graduate of the Geneva School of Fine Arts, became a freelance sculptor and created the sculpture Guépard assis (Seated Cheetah) in 1961, which was acquired by the FMAC in 1963. The material, bronze, is composed of an alloy of copper and tin. The animal is depicted sitting, looking to its right, with simplified and elongated features. The cheetah is a critically endangered species suffering from habitat loss and fragmentation, declining prey populations, conflict with livestock farmers, and the illegal wildlife trade. There are currently fewer than 12,000 cheetahs remaining, spread across 26 African countries, and about a hundred in Iran. Following a restricted competition for the decoration of the exterior façade of the Geneva Natural History Museum, the artist also created the bronze bas-relief, illustrating the scientific disciplines covered by the institution. Zoology is represented by a starfish, mineralogy by crystals placed on a large geological cross-section, and geology by a fossilized ammonite.

Written by: Camille Thibaut