As such, she decided to commission Landseer to complete this portrait as a surprise gift to Albert. Once both man and dog had settled, it was clear to Queen Victoria as the the love that her husband held for this greyhound. She is very well, looks after herself as much as she can, sleeps by the stove, is very friendly if there is plum-cake in the room, very much put out when she has to jump over the stick, keen on hunting, sleepy after it, always proud and contemptuous of other dogs." Prince Albert’s reply gives us further insight into the relationship of all three. A curious Queen Victoria was well aware of the Prince's relationship with Eos prior to their relationship reaching the next level and would ask him about her through written correspondence. It feels regal in content, but also with other emotions alongside such as loyalty, strength and beauty. Pets are highly significant parts of one’s life, making this far more than just a portrait of an animal. Perhaps the dog is waiting to be taken out for a walk or run, and is awaiting the arrival of its owner, whose necessary items have already been prepared and left out for him by a servant.Įos remains a proud part of the Royal Collection in the UK and is a good reminder of the historical links between this nation and Germany. The floor is simply tiled and there are large paintings hanging in the background. Landseer, of course, made use of many different breeds in his work, but it is hard to imagine any more appropriate in representing the Prince than this creature. Greyhounds are slim, graceful creatures who are perhaps more suited to portraits than some other breeds of dog. The cane lies on a table that is covered in a beautifully, bright colour which provides a contrast to the animal. All are particularly grand items, in line with the status of their owner, who would likely have received some of them as gifts from other notable figures of the time. The items include gloves, a hat and a cane. He stands proudly, as if a gentleman from an expensive, educated background. The inclusion of many of the dog’s owner’s personal belongings within this composition have suggested to some that the dog actually represents the Prince within this artwork. He was in the country in order to marry Queen Victoria and this famous couple were to commission Landseer for a series of paintings across his career. was when he first took ownership of this stunning creature and they would go onto become close companions. Landseer was certainly capable of achieving this, as were the likes of Northern Renaissance painter, Albrecht Durer, as well as more modern artists such as the likes of Pablo Picasso. Animal paintings have always appealed to the public, but they are particularly sought after when the depiction itself is delivered in a technically impressive manner. It is likely that this feature of the painting is what has made it amongst the most popular with followers of the artist, both during his own career and also in the present day. The precise use of light gives us the impression of being in the room with the dog ourselves. Although here the woman's face is turned away, her elegant posture combined with her absorption in the letter she holds combine to make an expressive portrait.It is the sheen of the dog’s coat that first attracts the eye. Landseer often used unusual poses for his figure drawings. This graceful chalk drawing of a woman reading a letter has not been connected to a particular portrait, although it is possible that it represents Georgiana, Duchess of Bedford, a close friend of the artist, who Landseer drew and painted on many occasions. Landseer was also in demand as a portrait painter, and indeed he was commissioned several times by Queen Victoria to produce portraits of herself and her family. Landseer often introduced a narrative element into his animal pictures, and his dogs in particular are often invested with anthropomorphic qualities. He is best known as an animal painter, and his anatomical studies of animals, in addition to his exceptional gifts as a draughtsman, brought a great degree of accuracy to his drawings and paintings. Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-1873) was one of the most popular and successful painters of 19th-century Britain.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |