Edwin Landseer

Sitterback to top

• Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (1802-1873), Painter. Sitter in 21 portraits, Artist associated with 54 portraits.

Artistback to top

• John Ballantyne (1815-1897), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 9 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

Landseer is shown in the studio of Baron Marochetti modelling one of the lions for the base of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. This project occupied him on and off for the eight years between 1858 and 1866 and contributed to the ill health which clouded the last ten years of his life. Known for his amusing and sentimental paintings featuring his pet dogs, Landseer is here attended by a collie. The dog is thought to be Lassie, known to have been his constant companion in the studio at this time. The portrait is one of a series of artists in their studios by Ballantyne which the artist exhibited as a set in November 1865.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Funnell, Peter (introduction); Marsh, Jan, A Guide to Victorian and Edwardian Portraits, 2011, p. 11
• Gibson, Robin, The Face in the Corner: Animal Portraits from the Collections of the National Portrait Gallery, 1998, p. 56
• Gibson, Robin, Treasures from the National Portrait Gallery, 1996, p. 93
• Hargreaves, Roger; McCullin, Don (foreword), Trafalgar Square: Through the Camera, 2005 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 13 September 2003 to 28 March 2004), p. 12
• Ormond, Richard, Early Victorian Portraits, 1973, p. 254
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 363

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Artists and their studios
• In profile
• Making art
• On display at the Gallery
• Pets and animals
• Portraits with Archive documents