Art
LANDSEER
(Thomas, 1794-1880, Artist best known for his engravings and etchings particularly those of his younger brother Edwin Landseer)
Fine Autograph Letter to an unnamed correspondent
begging pardon for apparent indifference to your most kind letter, I have been waiting for the completion of a plate (by my Brother) which I wished to send you with the Highland subject - my Brother has not been able to finish in the time allowed so we must have a little patience. Pray accept my thanks for your very kind intentions for my Billiard [?] amusement which I shall gladly... Those you gave me years back are charming if you remember their proportions - touching his R.H.P. Albert - I dare not approach the Court till I have done my large picture for the Queen - perhaps you had better address Sir C. Phipps on the subject you mentioned in you last. My Royal Picture was begun some years ago..., 4 sides 8vo., St John's Wood Road, headed paper with his monogram of red antlers, 15th May
Item Date: 1861
£175
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Background
At the time of this letter Landseer was at the centre of a controversy over his picture The Shrew Tamed which had been entered into the Royal Academy Exhibition. It showed a powerful horse on its knees among straw in a stable, while a young woman lies with her head pillowed on its flanks, lightly touching its head with her hand. The catalogue explained it as a portrait of a noted equestrienne, Ann Gilbert, applying the taming techniques of the famous 'horse whisperer' John Solomon Rarey. Critics were troubled by the depiction of a languorous woman dominating a powerful animal and some concluded Landseer was implying the famous courtesan Catherine Walters, then at the height of her fame. Walters was an excellent horsewoman and along with other pretty horsebreakers, frequently appeared riding in Hyde Park.
Stock No. 43260
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