Two leopards are shown playing in print by the most famous and accomplished British horse and animal artist of the 18th century, George Stubbs. The title of the print is Tygers at Play, but at that time, "tigers" also referred to leopards and other large wild cats with the exception of lions. This example is from the original plate, restruck in a limited edition of 175 impressions in 1974 by Ian Bain for Observer Art. The original plate was rediscovered in 1970, and is now in the Tate Gallery.

It has been suggested that this image illustrated a passage in Chatterton, The Death of Nicou: An African Eclogue (1770):

George Stubbs, an eminent animal painter, engraver and painter in enamel, combined science and art by painting his subjects with anatomical precision. He did extensive studies of horse anatomy to prepare himself as the premier artist of equine life.   In his early twenties, Stubbs studied anatomy under a surgeon in York, and drew dissections for doctors.  After a visit to Rome and a period of residence in Liverpool, he made his way to London in 1760.  In 1766, he published his monumental series of engravings, Anatomy of the Horse, which cemented his reputation as a master of the subject.  His vast range of paintings include the prize horses of England of the late 18th century, often with their proud owners or trainers, as well as other animals such as lions, sometimes shown in natural settings with horses. Stubbs served as president of the Society of Artists in 1773 and although he had his quarrels with the Royal Academy, he apparently was made an Associate.  His works are in the world’s major museums, with a large number represented in the Yale Center for British Art (Paul Mellon Collection).  The greatest engravers and printers of the day were engaged to render numerous Stubbs horse pictures as prints, including his own son, the printmaker George Townly Stubbs (sometimes spelled “Townley”).

References:

Lennox-Boyd, Christopher, et al. George Stubbs: The Complete Engraved Works. London: Stipple Publishing Limited, 1989.  Item 60, pp. 173-74.

Maxted, Ian. "The London book trades 1775-1800: a preliminary checklist of members." Exeter Working Papers in British Book Trade History.  U.K.: Devon Library and Information Services. 24 January 2005.  http://www.devon.gov.uk/library/locstudy/bookhist/lonn.html (Orme) (6 April 2005).

Williamson, George C., ed. Bryan's Dictionary of Painters and Engravers.  London: G. Bell and Sons: 1930.  Vol. 5, pp. 139-140 (Stubbs).