Romantics in the Highlands: Landseer and Queen Victoria’s art inspiration

Guest blog by Kelsey Ritzema:

Sir Edwin Landseer was a celebrated English painter known for his depictions of animals and wildlife. From a young age, it was clear Landseer had an exceptional talent for art. As a child prodigy, he drew lifelike sketches of animals that demonstrated his keen eye for detail and innate artistic abilities. Landseer’s meteoric rise to fame was aided by his networking among the upper echelons of British society. He cultivated relationships with influential aristocrats and royals who eagerly commissioned works from the budding artist. Landseer soon found himself in the inner circle of Queen Victoria herself. The two developed a close bond over their mutual affection for Scotland and its rugged beauty. Landseer tutored the Queen in sketching and painting, with Victoria’s works still exhibited today alongside the masterful paintings of her teacher.

The Queen and Landseer embarked on many trips together to the Scottish Highlands. There, the artist conjured up majestic scenes of the dramatic landscape, often with the Queen featured prominently. Landseer’s paintings served to mythologise Victoria as the benevolent matriarch watching over the Kingdom’s northern reaches. His Highland scenes evoked a sense of unity, suggesting old quarrels between Scotland and England had dissipated under Victoria’s tranquil rule. The popularity of Landseer’s Highland paintings sparked greater tourism to the region, providing an economic boost. Travel companies such as Thomas Cook funded some improvements to various Blackhouse communities and their infrastructure through the finances of holiday makers.
However, troubling issues like the Highland Clearances, which displaced rural Scots to make room for profitable sheep farming, could not be ignored.

In his later years, Landseer continued portraying the Highlands, bringing Scottish culture into mainstream Victorian society. His romanticized visions of brave clansmen and unspoiled wilderness enchanted the public. Landseer’s work reminded Victorian Britain of Scotland’s rich history, from the struggle of man against nature, to the Enlightenment thinkers that filled Edinburgh’s streets.

Queen Victoria’s own passion for Scotland, enriched by Landseer’s paintings, helped elevate the nation’s image to one of tradition, resilience, and dignity in the modern era.