Explore: Sir Edwin Henry Landseer

(1802 - 1873)

Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, animal painter, was born in Marylebone, London, the son of engraver John Landseer. He was initially trained by his father and first exhibited at the Royal Academy at the age of 13. In 1816, he entered Royal Academy schools. Between 1839 and 1866 Landseer made several paintings of Queen Victoria, the Prince Consort and their children. However, today he is best known for painting ‘Monarch of the Glen’ (exhibited in 1851) and designing the bronze lions at the foot of Nelson's Monument in Trafalgar Square (1859-66). In 1850, Landseer accepted a knighthood. In 1865 he declined the Presidency of the Royal Academy. Landseer died at the age of 71 and was buried at St Paul's Cathedral in London.