Head of a Roebuck and Two Ptarmigan, Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (c.1830)

Head of a Roebuck and Two Ptarmigan, Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (c.1830)

Sir Edwin Henry Landseer’s Head of a Roebuck and Two Ptarmigan blends meticulous realism with the romantic spirit of the British sporting tradition. Rendered with an almost scientific precision born from his early anatomical studies, the roebuck’s noble head and the delicate plumage of the ptarmigan are captured in striking textural detail. While Landseer is best known for his grand portrayals of stags, dogs, and the monumental lions of Trafalgar Square, this work reveals his mastery of intimate wildlife portraiture.

Painted during the height of his career, the composition reflects both the Victorian fascination with the natural world and Landseer’s own deep empathy for his subjects—imbuing even a hunting trophy scene with quiet dignity. The careful balance of light, texture, and composition transforms a moment of stillness into a lasting tribute to the beauty and fragility of the wild.

Cotton and polyester canvas on Radiata pine wood frame sourced from renewable forests. Includes back mounting.