A Special West Cove UK Review of:
Landseer’s Works: The Works of Sir Edwin Landseer R. A. Forty-Four Steel Engravings and about 200 Woodcuts book by Edwin Landseer and W. Cosmo Monkhouse
Date of publication: No exact date but likely between 1877 and 1880, see note below in ‘Whats this book about’.
Author: Edwin Landseer and W. Cosmo Monkhouse
Publisher: Virtue and Company Ltd
Format: Hardcover
Size: Large book 37 cm high
Whats this book about?
Landseer’s Works: The Works of Sir Edwin Landseer R.A. is a magnificent visual and literary tribute to Sir Edwin Landseer (1802–1873), one of Britain’s most celebrated animal painters. This large-format volume, published by Virtue and Company Ltd, brings together forty-four steel engravings and approximately 200 woodcuts, providing an extensive representation of Landseer’s artistry.
The book is authored by W. Cosmo Monkhouse, a respected art critic and writer, who offers insightful commentary on Landseer’s life, influences, and artistic development. From Landseer’s precocious childhood sketches of sheep and lions to his later celebrated works of dogs, deer, and equestrian subjects, the book chronicles the evolution of his distinctive style.
The text provides:
- A biographical account of Landseer’s artistic journey, from his early training under his father, John Landseer, to his rise as a favored artist of Queen Victoria.
- In-depth analysis of his techniques, inspirations, and thematic choices, particularly his mastery in capturing the character and emotions of animals.
- A critical look at his contributions to British art, particularly his influence on Victorian animal painting and sporting scenes.
- Engravings and woodcuts that visually document his famous works, including The Monarch of the Glen, Dignity and Impudence, and The Old Shepherd’s Chief Mourner.
The book is not just an art reference but a historical document, offering an immersive experience into Landseer’s world, highlighting both his artistic genius and his personal connection to animals.
Date of publication:
Landseer’s Works: The Works of Sir Edwin Landseer R.A. was published by Virtue and Company, with the exact publication date varying across different editions. Notably, an edition was published in 1877, as indicated by the Yale Center for British Art. Additionally, the Royal Academy of Arts holds a version dated between 1879 and 1880. These variations suggest that the book was issued in multiple editions during the late 19th century.
About the author...
Sir Edwin Landseer (1802–1873) was an English painter and sculptor best known for his highly detailed depictions of animals. A child prodigy, Landseer began sketching animals at a young age, with formal training under his father, engraver John Landseer. By the age of 16, he had already exhibited at the Royal Academy, and he was elected a full Academician in 1831.
Landseer’s work was immensely popular in Victorian Britain, with his paintings often portraying deep emotion and storytelling through animals. His ability to infuse animals with human-like expressions and narratives set him apart from his contemporaries. In addition to his paintings, Landseer is also remembered for designing the iconic lion sculptures at Trafalgar Square in London.
W. Cosmo Monkhouse (1840–1901) was a British poet, art critic, and biographer, best known for his writings on Victorian painters. His insightful analysis in this volume places Landseer’s work within the broader context of 19th-century British art, making this book not just a collection of engravings but an intellectual examination of Landseer’s legacy.
Our views about the book...
At West Cove UK, we find Landseer’s Works to be a stunning and historically significant volume, essential for art enthusiasts, collectors, and historians alike. The combination of high-quality engravings and woodcuts with Monkhouse’s scholarly text creates a book that is both visually striking and intellectually rich.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it brings Landseer’s artwork to life, allowing readers to see the depth of expression and movement in his animals. The engravings provide a faithful reproduction of Landseer’s work, showcasing the intricate details of fur, muscle, and composition that made his paintings so revered.
Landseer’s unique ability to capture the emotional essence of animals is deeply felt throughout the book. His portrayals of dogs, deer, and horses are not mere studies in anatomy but rather profound character studies, illustrating themes of loyalty, nobility, and sorrow. The commentary by Monkhouse adds an extra layer of depth, explaining the historical and artistic significance of each work.
The book’s large format (37 cm high) enhances the experience, allowing readers to fully appreciate the fine details of the engravings. However, due to its age and size, it is delicate and should be handled with care.
For those interested in Victorian art, animal portraiture, and the golden age of British painting, Landseer’s Works is an essential addition to any serious collection.
How rare and collectible is this book?
Landseer’s Works is a highly collectible volume, sought after by art collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of Victorian engravings. Due to its limited availability, copies of this book are infrequently found on the market, making it a desirable investment piece.
Several factors contribute to its value:
- Scarcity – This book is not commonly found, and well-preserved copies are even rarer, especially with all forty-four steel engravings and 200 woodcuts intact. At the time of writing there are around 5 copies available on the internet with prices ranging up to around £900.
- Condition Sensitivity – The quality of engravings and woodcuts significantly impacts its worth. Copies with clear, well-preserved plates, minimal foxing, and strong bindings command higher prices.
- Investment Potential – Given Landseer’s enduring reputation and the historical importance of his work, this book is a strong long-term investment for collectors of Victorian art.
Final Verdict
At West Cove UK, we regard Landseer’s Works as both an artistic masterpiece and a historical treasure. This large-format, beautifully illustrated book not only captures the brilliance of Landseer’s animal portraiture but also serves as an insightful scholarly reference on Victorian art.
For collectors, this book represents an exceptional investment, combining artistic significance, historical importance, and rarity. With its stunning engravings, insightful commentary, and large-scale presentation, Landseer’s Works is a must-have for any serious collector of fine art books.
We highly recommend this book for:
✅ Art collectors looking for a rare, high-quality Victorian art book
✅ Historians and scholars interested in 19th-century British painting
✅ Animal lovers who appreciate Landseer’s masterful depictions of dogs, deer, and horses
✅ Investors seeking rare, valuable art books with strong long-term potential
With its historical importance, artistic value, and increasing rarity, Landseer’s Works stands as one of the finest and most collectible books on Victorian art.
The condition of this book...
This is a nice older book in good condition, considering its age and large format.
- Some tanning, wear, and markings due to age.
- Spine is cosmetically worn on the outside, but still solid.
- Pages are overall good, with some markings, but the plates remain bright and clear, which is crucial for its value.
Despite some expected age-related wear, this remains an outstanding example of a rare and collectible volume.
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- Landseer’s Works: The Works of Sir Edwin Landseer R. A. Forty-Four Steel Engravings and about 200 Woodcuts book by Edwin Landseer and W. Cosmo Monkhouse ISBN:
- Original price was: £185.95.£145.76Current price is: £145.76.
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