Jewel

The surprising title, Jewel, creates a counterpoint to the menacing, if inert depiction of paws and hind legs seen here in this trio of engravings. Though we do not see the predatory creature but for its lower extremities, it appears to be motionless, submitting itself to the careful gaze of the artist. Is it dead, sleeping, or domesticated? Smith’s brilliant graphic sensibility invites us to closely inspect what we might otherwise fear.