English painter (1802–1873) well known for his paintings of animals and his sculptures, including the lions in London’s Trafalgar Square. Landseer's progress on the bronze lions at the base of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square was slow since he was plagued with alcohol and drug addiction. When Landseer died insane in 1873 the lions' necks were hung with mourning wreaths. ALS signed with his monogrammed-style “EL,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 3.75 x 6, personal letterhead, May 23, 1864. Letter to Sir Charles Beaumont Phipps, close friend of Queen Victoria’s. He served as her equerry, as well as Prince Albert’s private secretary. In part: “Don’t think me unmindful of your request to see my lion progress. Since her Majesty saw the colossal model it has undergone certain changes. I therefore wished to make it more worthy [of] your nice Eye before I have the pleasure of receiving a visit from so able a critic.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, with vertical fold passing through signature.
The “colossal model” that Landseer is referring to was the product of seven years of “lion progress,” as the massive undertaking began in 1857. Commissioned by Queen Victoria, his construction of the two enormous lion sculptures, which still reside at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square today, was slow and steady. Plagued by alcohol and drug addiction, Landseer would continue work on these models for another three years after this letter was written, finally completing the decade-long project in 1867. After his death in 1873, mourning wreaths were hung from the necks of the majestic lions, a fitting tribute to the famed animal artist. RRAuction COA.
