Rosa Bonheur was one of the most famous painters of animals of her time. This wild cat is an excellent example of her realistic way of portraying animals. Bonheur was genuinely interested in the animals she depicted. In addition to a large number of dogs, birds and cats, she also had an otter, Mouflon sheep and lions. In 1853, at the age of 31, she gained wide recognition for her monumental painting The Horse Market. Bonheur’s choice of subjects required her to frequent places where it was impractical to wear long skirts. In 1857, the police granted her permission to wear trousers in public.