March 7, 1802

Edwin Landseer RA (March 7, 1802 to October 1, 1873) is famous for his paintings of animals – particularly horses, and dogs. He also did some amusing, or sketches meant to be, involving cats and cliches.

This illustrates a fable of La Fontaine's:




Britannica summarizes Landseer's career:

'Landseer learned drawing from his father, an engraver and writer, and also studied at the Royal Academy. His paintings of animals were based on sound anatomical knowledge and, at first, were marked by healthy animation. His later works were marred, however, by anthropomorphism that lapsed into sentimentality. His “Shoeing” (1844) and “Rout of Comus” (1843) exhibit his best style. The four bronze lions at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London (unveiled 1867), are his. He was elected to the Royal Academy (1831) and knighted (1850).'