South American Jaguar, Martin G. Katon (b. 1947), c.1990s, lithograph, 24x29 in, signed & numbered 229/250, wildlife portrait
A dramatic limited edition lithograph titled South American Jaguar by Martin Gilbert Katon (b. 1947), numbered 229/250 and hand-signed in pencil. Measuring 24 x 29 inches, this luminous wildlife portrait captures the power and stillness of the jaguar set against a glowing sunset landscape. Katon’s refined draftsmanship and reverence for animals are evident in the richly layered fur detail and penetrating gaze. Acquired through Mitch Morse Gallery and now available at Artfind Gallery, Washington DC.
Artwork Description
South American Jaguar presents a poised and powerful big cat reclining in the foreground as a burnished sunset sky stretches behind it. The horizon glows with deep amber, ochre, and charcoal tones, silhouetting distant landforms and creating a dramatic atmospheric backdrop.
The jaguar’s coat is rendered with exceptional detail. Katon employs layered linear strokes to define the musculature beneath the fur, articulating rosettes and stripes with sharp precision. The eyes are warm and luminous, meeting the viewer directly, conveying both alertness and calm authority. The white of the chest and whiskers contrasts against the darker tones of the body and background, heightening the sense of depth.
The lithographic texture is visible in the soft gradations of the sky and in the subtle speckling that creates tonal transitions. Katon’s mature technique combines realism with stylized emphasis, placing the animal as both natural subject and symbolic presence.
The print is hand-signed in pencil lower right, Martin Gilbert Katon, and numbered 229/250 lower left. Sheet size measures approximately 24 x 29 inches. Light foxing is present, primarily visible on the verso and faintly in the margins, consistent with age; the image remains strong and vibrant.
This work reflects Katon’s lifelong devotion to wildlife and to the spiritual narrative he associates with animals as embodiments of strength, survival, and sacred connection to the earth.
Artist Biography
Martin Gilbert Katon (born 1947) has painted professionally for over 40 years, developing a body of work grounded in craftsmanship, storytelling, and reverence for animals. His life experiences extend far beyond the studio. Katon has worked as a lumberjack, Thai kick boxer, painting instructor, cave explorer, and professional drummer. These diverse pursuits inform the intensity, discipline, and physical understanding evident in his art.
He holds a B.A. in Fine Arts and has produced approximately 6,000 paintings during a full-time career spanning four decades. His work has been featured in numerous galleries nationwide and has earned multiple first-place honors. The first major article on Katon appeared in American Artist Magazine in 1978, highlighting the Katon Studio in Santa Monica. He later appeared as the cover story in the January 3, 2008 edition of The Argonaut newspaper in Marina del Rey, California.
Often referred to as the “Crocodile Dundee” of the painting world, Katon has lived with Native American communities and rescued both domestic and wild animals that later become subjects in his art. He has stated, “In my paintings, my own heritage comes together. I come from Scottish craftsmen, English writers, and traders who married Native Americans. Craftsmanship is important in my work and there are stories in my paintings. The animals and people are connected to Mother Earth and Father Sky.”
His paintings have been exhibited in hundreds of galleries, including Merrill Chase Galleries of Chicago and Joe Wade Galleries of Santa Fe. He has shown with Angel Gallery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and the Toledo Museum of Art. Katon is active in charitable work supporting Make-A-Wish, Angel Wings, and wildlife rescue groups such as Wild Horses in Need. He also teaches art to children with learning differences and youth at risk.
Katon’s wildlife portraits stand apart for their synthesis of realism and spiritual narrative. His immersion in Native communities and hands-on involvement with rescued animals lends authenticity to his subjects. Rather than portraying animals as distant wildlife specimens, Katon presents them as sentient presences—beings connected to heritage, land, and story.
By the 1990s and early 2000s, Katon had refined a compositional formula that places the animal in commanding frontal or near-frontal perspective against atmospheric landscapes. This approach emphasizes psychological engagement and symbolic resonance. His big cat works, including jaguars and tigers, are particularly sought after for their intense gaze and intricate fur detailing.
As of 2026, Katon remains appreciated among collectors of American wildlife art for his disciplined draftsmanship, conservation-minded themes, and narrative depth. His extensive output and longstanding gallery representation contribute to a steady secondary market presence.
Martin Gilbert Katon (b. 1947)
South American Jaguar
Lithograph
24 x 29 inches
Signed and numbered 229/250
Certificate of Authentication
This certifies that South American Jaguar is an original limited edition lithograph by Martin Gilbert Katon (b. 1947).
Medium: Lithograph
Dimensions: 24 x 29 inches
Edition: 229/250
Signature: Hand-signed in pencil
Provenance: Mitch Morse Gallery; Artfind Gallery, Washington DC
Guaranteed authentic.
Condition
Very good vintage condition with light foxing visible primarily on the verso and faintly in margins. Image area remains vibrant with strong color and crisp detail. Minor age-related handling.
Provenance
Mitch Morse Gallery (acquired in NYC, United States and Europe)
Private Collection
Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (Current Owner)
South American Jaguar, Martin G. Katon (b. 1947), c.1990s, lithograph, 24x29 in, signed & numbered 229/250, wildlife portrait
A dramatic limited edition lithograph titled South American Jaguar by Martin Gilbert Katon (b. 1947), numbered 229/250 and hand-signed in pencil. Measuring 24 x 29 inches, this luminous wildlife portrait captures the power and stillness of the jaguar set against a glowing sunset landscape. Katon’s refined draftsmanship and reverence for animals are evident in the richly layered fur detail and penetrating gaze. Acquired through Mitch Morse Gallery and now available at Artfind Gallery, Washington DC.
Artwork Description
South American Jaguar presents a poised and powerful big cat reclining in the foreground as a burnished sunset sky stretches behind it. The horizon glows with deep amber, ochre, and charcoal tones, silhouetting distant landforms and creating a dramatic atmospheric backdrop.
The jaguar’s coat is rendered with exceptional detail. Katon employs layered linear strokes to define the musculature beneath the fur, articulating rosettes and stripes with sharp precision. The eyes are warm and luminous, meeting the viewer directly, conveying both alertness and calm authority. The white of the chest and whiskers contrasts against the darker tones of the body and background, heightening the sense of depth.
The lithographic texture is visible in the soft gradations of the sky and in the subtle speckling that creates tonal transitions. Katon’s mature technique combines realism with stylized emphasis, placing the animal as both natural subject and symbolic presence.
The print is hand-signed in pencil lower right, Martin Gilbert Katon, and numbered 229/250 lower left. Sheet size measures approximately 24 x 29 inches. Light foxing is present, primarily visible on the verso and faintly in the margins, consistent with age; the image remains strong and vibrant.
This work reflects Katon’s lifelong devotion to wildlife and to the spiritual narrative he associates with animals as embodiments of strength, survival, and sacred connection to the earth.
Artist Biography
Martin Gilbert Katon (born 1947) has painted professionally for over 40 years, developing a body of work grounded in craftsmanship, storytelling, and reverence for animals. His life experiences extend far beyond the studio. Katon has worked as a lumberjack, Thai kick boxer, painting instructor, cave explorer, and professional drummer. These diverse pursuits inform the intensity, discipline, and physical understanding evident in his art.
He holds a B.A. in Fine Arts and has produced approximately 6,000 paintings during a full-time career spanning four decades. His work has been featured in numerous galleries nationwide and has earned multiple first-place honors. The first major article on Katon appeared in American Artist Magazine in 1978, highlighting the Katon Studio in Santa Monica. He later appeared as the cover story in the January 3, 2008 edition of The Argonaut newspaper in Marina del Rey, California.
Often referred to as the “Crocodile Dundee” of the painting world, Katon has lived with Native American communities and rescued both domestic and wild animals that later become subjects in his art. He has stated, “In my paintings, my own heritage comes together. I come from Scottish craftsmen, English writers, and traders who married Native Americans. Craftsmanship is important in my work and there are stories in my paintings. The animals and people are connected to Mother Earth and Father Sky.”
His paintings have been exhibited in hundreds of galleries, including Merrill Chase Galleries of Chicago and Joe Wade Galleries of Santa Fe. He has shown with Angel Gallery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and the Toledo Museum of Art. Katon is active in charitable work supporting Make-A-Wish, Angel Wings, and wildlife rescue groups such as Wild Horses in Need. He also teaches art to children with learning differences and youth at risk.
Katon’s wildlife portraits stand apart for their synthesis of realism and spiritual narrative. His immersion in Native communities and hands-on involvement with rescued animals lends authenticity to his subjects. Rather than portraying animals as distant wildlife specimens, Katon presents them as sentient presences—beings connected to heritage, land, and story.
By the 1990s and early 2000s, Katon had refined a compositional formula that places the animal in commanding frontal or near-frontal perspective against atmospheric landscapes. This approach emphasizes psychological engagement and symbolic resonance. His big cat works, including jaguars and tigers, are particularly sought after for their intense gaze and intricate fur detailing.
As of 2026, Katon remains appreciated among collectors of American wildlife art for his disciplined draftsmanship, conservation-minded themes, and narrative depth. His extensive output and longstanding gallery representation contribute to a steady secondary market presence.
Martin Gilbert Katon (b. 1947)
South American Jaguar
Lithograph
24 x 29 inches
Signed and numbered 229/250
Certificate of Authentication
This certifies that South American Jaguar is an original limited edition lithograph by Martin Gilbert Katon (b. 1947).
Medium: Lithograph
Dimensions: 24 x 29 inches
Edition: 229/250
Signature: Hand-signed in pencil
Provenance: Mitch Morse Gallery; Artfind Gallery, Washington DC
Guaranteed authentic.
Condition
Very good vintage condition with light foxing visible primarily on the verso and faintly in margins. Image area remains vibrant with strong color and crisp detail. Minor age-related handling.
Provenance
Mitch Morse Gallery (acquired in NYC, United States and Europe)
Private Collection
Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (Current Owner)
