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Student Artwork Guide

Edwin Landseer

Sir Francis Grant, 1852

Name Class Date
Sir Francis Grant, Edwin Landseer (1852). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Sir Francis Grant originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/sir-francis-grant/
Artist’s dates
1803 – 1878
Painted
1852
Movement
Romanticism Art that puts feeling, wildness and the power of nature above calm order and rules.

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Sir Francis Grant died in 1878; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1948.

Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

Edwin Landseer — Sir Francis Grant Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Edwin Landseer — Sir Francis Grant

When was this painted?

  1. 1800
  2. 1810
  3. 1820
  4. 1830
  5. 1840
  6. 1850
  7. 1860
  8. 1870

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 75 at death.

Painted when the artist was 49. The artist lived to 75. 23 of the 50 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Sir Francis Grant (1803–1878) ▲ this work, 1852 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1846 Main working years: 1846–1861 Late works: from 1861

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/sir-francis-grant-edwin-landseer-AS7S4K-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Black #1b120b

    Catalogued palette

    • #1B120B
    • #9E8654
    • #69542A
    • #362616

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Black
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Sir Francis Grant over the last twelve months — 9 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 75.0%
    2. 2 Hong Kong 5.7%
    3. 3 Singapore 5.7%
    4. 4 United States of America 5.7%
    5. 5 Brazil 2.3%
    6. 6 Mexico 2.3%
    7. 7 United Arab Emirates 1.1%
    8. 8 Ireland 1.1%
    9. 9 Italy 1.1%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Sir Francis Grant

    1. 1 Lady Marian Margaret Compton, Viscountess Alford, 1841 3.3%
    2. 2 Henry Hardinge, 1st Viscount Hardinge Of Lahore 3.3%
    3. 3 The Perthshire Meet 3.3%
    4. 4 James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, 1841 2.2%
    5. 5 Mary Isabella Grant Knitting a Shawl, 1855 2.2%
    6. 6 General Sir James Hope Grant, 1853 2.2%
    7. 7 Frederick William Hervey, First Marquis of Bristol, 1839 2.2%
    8. 8 Edwin Landseer, 1852 this painting 2.2%
    9. 9 Mrs Margaret Hick, 1861 2.2%
    10. 10 Walter Scott 2.2%
    11. 11 HRH Prince Albert 2.2%
    12. 12 Edwin Landseer - 2.2%
    13. 13 Algernon Percy, 4th Duke Of Northumberland 2.2%
    14. 14 General, The Right Honourable Sir Percy Egerton Herbert 2.2%
    15. 15 Lady Lucy Graham, Countess of Powis 2.2%
    16. 16 James Hope Grant 2.2%
    17. 17 Molison Of Errol Park 2.2%
    18. 18 William Long 2.2%
    19. 19 Portrait Of Sir Henry Edwin Landseer, R.A. 2.2%
    20. 20 Alexander Nasmyth 2.2%

    Together these works take 47.3% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 257 works by this artist, of which 66 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 8 of them, with 2.2% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

    Edwin Landseer — Sir Francis Grant Part 2 · In context

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Sir Francis Grant

    Born in United Kingdom

    A Life Dedicated to Portraiture and the Academy

    Sir Francis Grant, a name synonymous with refined portraiture and dedicated service to the British art establishment, emerged as one of the most sought-after artists of his era. Born in 1803 into a landed family in Perthshire, Scotland, young Francis initially seemed destined for a career in law. However, the pull of artistic expression proved too strong to resist. Though largely self-taught, he briefly studied under Alexander Nasmyth in Edinburgh, laying an early foundation before forging his own distinctive path. This path wasn’t immediately clear; Grant's initial successes came with sporting scenes, capturing the energy and vibrancy of rural life. A pivotal moment arrived through his marriage, granting him access to the exclusive world of Melton Mowbray’s hunting set. There, he honed his skills under John Ferneley, a master of equestrian art, and began to specialize in depictions of horses and hounds – subjects that would initially define his reputation.

    From Sporting Scenes to Aristocratic Likenesses

    Grant's artistic evolution wasn’t merely a shift in subject matter; it was a refinement of style. His early sporting scenes, like the celebrated Melton Breakfast (1834), demonstrated an eye for detail and composition that quickly garnered attention. However, it was his burgeoning talent for portraiture that truly propelled him to prominence. He possessed a remarkable ability to capture not just physical likeness but also the character and social standing of his sitters. This skill proved particularly valuable in an era obsessed with status and image. Commissions flowed in from the British aristocracy and political elite, including the ultimate accolade: portraits of Queen Victoria herself. His portrait of Lady Glenlyon (1842) served as a watershed moment, solidifying his position among the leading portraitists of the day. Grant’s style blended Neoclassical elegance with a touch of Romantic sensibility, characterized by dramatic lighting and rich detail – tempering the flourishes of artists like Thomas Lawrence with a distinctly Victorian sobriety. He excelled at equestrian portraits, skillfully portraying both the grandeur of his subjects and their noble steeds, as evidenced in his works for Christ's Hospital depicting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

    Presidency and Legacy: Shaping the Royal Academy

    The pinnacle of Grant’s career arrived in 1866 with his election as President of the Royal Academy, following the death of Charles Eastlake. This prestigious position recognized not only his artistic achievements but also his respected standing within the art world. Shortly after assuming the presidency, he was knighted, a testament to his significant contributions. As president, Grant instituted a groundbreaking practice: the holding of major loan exhibitions. These ambitious displays expanded the Academy’s reach and influence, bringing together masterpieces from across Europe and attracting wider public engagement. He wasn't merely a custodian of tradition; he actively sought to broaden the scope and accessibility of art. His leadership helped solidify the Royal Academy as a central force in British artistic life. Grant’s influence extended beyond his own work, impacting artists such as Martin Archer Shee and Solomon Alexander Hart.

    A Window into Victorian Society

    Sir Francis Grant's legacy extends far beyond the canvases he filled with portraits of prominent figures. His extensive body of work serves as a valuable historical record, offering insights into British society during the 19th century. Through his art, we glimpse the lives and status of aristocracy, politicians, and royalty – individuals who shaped the era. He wasn’t simply painting faces; he was documenting a social order. His presidency of the Royal Academy marked a period of significant development for the institution, cementing its role as a vital cultural hub. Grant's paintings are held in collections worldwide, including the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, ensuring that his artistic vision continues to resonate with audiences today. He remains a pivotal figure in Victorian art history – a skilled portraitist, a respected leader, and a chronicler of his time. His work offers not just aesthetic pleasure but also a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

    Notable Works

    Melton Breakfast (1834): An early success that established his reputation for sporting scenes.

    The Meeting of His Majesty's Staghounds on Ascot Heath: A detailed and dynamic depiction of a hunting event.

    Portrait of Lady Glenlyon (1842): A pivotal work that cemented his status as a leading portraitist.

    Equestrian Portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert: Demonstrations of his skill in capturing both likenesses and grandeur.

    Portraits of the Marchioness of Waterford, the Marchioness of Bristol, and Mrs Markham (Daisy Grant): Acclaimed portraits showcasing his ability to capture character and social standing.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Edwin Landseer

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/sir-francis-grant-edwin-landseer-AS7S4K-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Grant, Sir Francis. Edwin Landseer. 1852, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/sir-francis-grant-edwin-landseer-AS7S4K-en/
    APA
    Grant, Sir Francis (1852). Edwin Landseer [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/sir-francis-grant-edwin-landseer-AS7S4K-en/
    Chicago
    Sir Francis Grant. Edwin Landseer. 1852. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/sir-francis-grant-edwin-landseer-AS7S4K-en/
    Harvard
    Grant, Sir Francis (1852) Edwin Landseer. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/sir-francis-grant-edwin-landseer-AS7S4K-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

    Edwin Landseer — Sir Francis Grant Part 3 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Edwin Landseer — Sir Francis Grant

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: portrait painting, artist self-image, studio scene art. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Portrait of John Naylor (1857), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Romanticism: Art that puts feeling, wildness and the power of nature above calm order and rules. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 27, 2026

    Edwin Landseer — Sir Francis Grant Part 4 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    Where in Sir Francis Grant's career does "Edwin Landseer" fall, given its date?

    Given its 1852 date, "Edwin Landseer" falls in Sir Francis Grant's Mature Period.

    Who is the artist behind "Edwin Landseer"?

    The artist behind "Edwin Landseer" is Sir Francis Grant. The work is catalogued under Sir Francis Grant's name.

    What explains the copyright situation of "Edwin Landseer" by Sir Francis Grant?

    The copyright status of "Edwin Landseer" - in the public domain - its copyright has expired - follows from the artist's death in 1878.