The New International Encyclopædia/Swan, John Macallan

SWAN, John Macallan (1847—). An English painter and sculptor, born at Old Brentford. He studied in London and in Paris. In 1889 his “Prodigal Son” (bought by the Chantrey Fund) established his reputation. His sculptured works—in nearly every material—are usually studies of cats, and his modeling is broad, flexible, and naturalistic, “The Jaguar,” “Puma and Macaw,” “Wounded Leopard,” and “Leopard Running,” challenge comparison with Barye. His subjects in oil include animals, figures, and landscapes, and are distinguished by massive, simple treatment, and a strongly imaginative element. His color is delicate and discriminating, but nearly always low in tone. Notable paintings are: “Ocelot and Fish;” “Tigers;” “Tigers Drinking;” “Ceylon Leopards;” “Lioness Defending Her Cubs;” and “Polar Bear Swimming.” He was elected an associate of the Royal Academy in 1894.