Edwin Landseer

Monarch of the Glen by Sir Edwin Landseer, 1851: the image was widely distributed in steel engravings

Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (March 7, 1802 - October 1 1873) was a British painter, well known for his paintings of animals - particularly horses, dogs and stags. The best known of Landseer's works, however, are sculptures - the lions in Trafalgar Square, London.

At the age of just 13, in 1815, Landseer exhibited works at the Royal Academy. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy at the age of 24, and an Academician of the Royal Academy five years later in 1831. He was knighted in 1850, and although elected President of the Royal Academy in 1866 he declined the invitation.

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Landseer's paintings of animals were highly popular among all classes of society.

Landseer was a notable figure in 19th century British art, and his works can be found in Tate Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Kenwood House and the Wallace Collection in London.

The name Landseer Newfoundland is used for the variety of Newfoundland dog that, rather than being almost entirely black, features a mix of both black and white spots — the variety Landseer popularized in his paintings of water dogs rescuing children from drowning. Edwin Henry Landseer was rumoured to be able to paint with both hands at the same time, for example, paint a horse's head with the right and its tail with the left, simultaneously.

One of four Lions around the base of Nelson's Column

Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens was named after him - Lutyens' father was a friend of Landseer.

Landseer's grave is in St Paul's Cathedral, London.

External link

• Web Gallery of Art - some more examples of Landseer's work