Maida (dog)
Maida (1813-1824 Graham p231) sometimes called a Deerhound, was a crossbreed from a Pyrenean Wolfdog and a Highland Deerhound, (Landseer's painting of Maida and a Deerhound), belonging to Sir Walter Scott,[1] and reported to be his favourite dog. Named after the Battle of Maida, which took place in 1806, he was a gift from Alexander Macdonell of Glengarry (Alexander_Ranaldson_Macdonell), a friend of Scott, and whose brother led the 78th Highlanders in the battle, a victory for the British against the French in the Napoleonic Wars.
Scott wrote to his son Charles that "Old Maida died suddenly in his straw last week, after a good supper, which, considering his weak state, was rather a deliverance; he is buried below his monument, on which the following epitaph is engraved in Latin [Maidae marmorea dormis sub imagine Maida / Ante fores domini sit tibi terra levis],[2] thus Englished by an eminent hand : -
- 'Beneath the sculptured form which late you bore,
- Sleep soundly Maida at your master's door.'"[3]
The monument mentioned is a statue of the dog at the hall door of Scott's home, Abbotsford House.[3]
A statue of Scott at the Scott Monument in Edinburgh includes Maida gazing up at the seated figure.[4] William Allan painted "Sir Walter Scott with His Dog 'Maida'" in 1831.[5] Alexander Nasmyth painted the dog alone.[6]
References
- ^ Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable
- ^ "Sir Walter Scott's dog, Maida". Edinburgh City of Literature. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
- ^ a b Abbotsford and Sir Walter Scott. Mabbott and Co. 1854. p. 218. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
Sir Walter Scott Abbotsford Maida.
- ^ "Scott Monument: About". Edinburgh Museums and Galleries. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
- ^ "Sir Walter Scott in His Study with His Dog 'Maida'". Art UK. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
- ^ "Alexander Nasmyth (Edinburgh 1758-1840) Maida, Sir Walter Scott's Dog 22 x 27 cm. (8 11/16 x 10 5/8 in.)". Bonhams. Retrieved 28 November 2014.