Alpine Mastiffs (1820) by Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-73). Source: “Studies and Sketches by Sir Edwin Landseer, R.A.” (1875): 162. “Lent by Mr. Joseph Page, Nottingham” [Click on image to enlarge it.] Formatting and text by George P. Landow. [You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the Hathi Trust and the University of Michigan and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document, or cite it in a print one.]
Commentary in the Art-Journal
This is the original idea of the well-known picture engraved by the artist‘s father, John Landseer, in 1831, of ‘Alpine Mastiffs reanimating a Traveller.’ The sketch, drawn in chalk on bluegrey paper, is very indefinite: one dog only is seen, barking to give notice to any of the Mount St. Bernard inmates who may be within hearing; the monastery is just visible on. the right-hand top of the sketch; underneath this dog is faintly outlined the form of another, which may be readily traced out by those who know the picture or the large engraving. The original painting was exhibited at the British Institution in 1820, and again at the Art-Treasures Exhibition at 1857, when it was the property of the late Mr. Jesse Watts Russell; it is now in the possession of Mr. S. Addington. [161-62]
Bibliography
“Studies and Sketches by Sir Edwin Landseer, R.A.” Art-Journal (1875): 161-64. Hathi Trust version of a copy in the University of Michigan Library. Web. 24 March 2014
Last modified 24 March 2014