Landseer, << LAND seer or LAND syuhr, >> Sir Edwin (1802-1873), was a British artist who specialized in painting animals. His sentimental portrayal of animals appealed greatly to the Victorians during the mid-1800’s.
Landseer’s favorite subjects were dogs and deer. Many of his paintings, such as Monarch of the Glen (1851), are set in the Scottish Highlands, which he first visited in 1824. Landseer designed the bronze lions at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square in London. He also painted portraits, his subjects including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Edwin Henry Landseer was born in London. His father was John Landseer, a noted engraver who taught his son to sketch animals from life. Landseer began exhibiting at the Royal Academy at the age of 13 and became a member of the Academy in 1830. He was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1850.
