Landseer, Edwin Henry (1802–1873)

English painter, sculptor, and engraver of animal studies. Much of his work reflects the Victorian taste for sentimental and moralistic pictures, for example Dignity and Impudence (1839; Tate Gallery, London). His sculptures include the lions at the base of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, London (1857–67). He was knighted in 1850.

Born in London, at the age of 14 he entered the Royal Academy schools, where he took lessons from Benjamin Haydon. His works show close knowledge of animal forms and he established a vogue for Highland animal and sporting scenes, much encouraged by Queen Victoria's patronage. Among his best‐known works are The Old Shepherd's Chief Mourner (1837);Monarch of the Glen (1851), painted for the House of Lords; and The Stag at Bay (1846). His works were popularized by enormous numbers of engravings, and in the 19th century he was considered the foremost European animal painter. He was buried in St Paul's Cathedral.