'Lion', a Newfoundland Dog

Landseer's 'Lion', a Newfoundland Dog of 1824 was one of his early animal portraits establishing the format that would define his career — the large breed dog depicted with the grave dignity of an aristocratic portrait, as if the sitter's character and virtues were being recorded for posterity. The Newfoundland's massive black form and calm, intelligent gaze provided exactly the subject Landseer excelled at, projecting canine nobility with the brushwork fluency and sympathetic observation that set his animal portraits apart from decorative convention.

The young Landseer's ability to render the dog's massive form and distinctive coat with vivid naturalism is already fully developed. The careful attention to the texture of the fur and the animal's alert expression demonstrate his precocious talent.