32 S/R EDWIN LANDSEER, R.A. 



consummate skill and power ; indeed it m.ay be questioned whether he ever produced a 

 finer work of art in what constitutes sound and substantial painting; certainly he 

 never studied nature more closely than we find it here represented. This is especially 

 recognisable in the head of the stag, which is delineated with a truthfulness not to 

 be surpassed; neither Rubens nor Snyders ever exhibited "a hunt" with greater spirit 

 than Landseer has here shown ; but there are other pictures by him which produce far 

 more unmingled gratification than " The Death of the Stag." 



In 1848 he sent to the Academy five works, conspicuous among which was 

 'Alexander and Diogenes," one of the pictures bequeathed by Mr. Jacob Bell, and 

 now in the National Gallery. It is agreeable to turn from the contemplation of the 

 work just described to this very humorous and truly happy conception. History relates 

 that Diogenes, the famous Greek cynic philosopher, in order to show his contempt for 

 wealth and display, at one time made a large tub his place of abode ; and the story 

 goes on to say that Alexander the Great, accompanied by numerous courtiers, once 

 paid him a visit in this singular home, and announced himself by saying, " I am 

 Alexander the Great." "And I am Diogenes the Cynic," replied the philosopher 

 "What can I do for you?" asked the monarch. "Stand out of the sunshine," was 

 the rude answer. Struck with the remark, and to reprove his attendants, who were 

 surprised and indignant at such an insult to their sovereign, the king turned to them 

 and said, " If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes." Landseer has turned this 

 traditional incident to good account. The hero of the Granicus, Alexander, appears 

 in the form of a stout-built white mastiff, standing before a tub, wherein lies a ragged- 

 coated black dog, which, with upcast eyes, deprecates the shadow of his royal visitor, 

 in whose attitude and expression are seen pride, conscious power, and even swaggering 

 insolence. On the right of the canine philosopher is the lighted lantern, with which, 

 as we read in history, the real Diogenes went, in broad daylight, to search for an 

 honest man. By the side of the lantern lie a hammer and some nails, supposed to 

 have been used in the construction of his dwelling. Behind Alexander is his train of 

 courtiers — sleek, well-favoured dogs, adorned with handsome collars and bells. 



Mr. Bell, the late owner of this picture, made the following comment upon it : — 

 " Politicians, and persons having a lively imagination, may see in Alexander the type 

 of a successful bully, who has fought his way in the world by physical force, and has a 

 sovereign contempt for moral influence. His motto is ' vi et armis,' in support of which 

 propensity he has obtained a few scars. Nevertheless he is quite ready at any 

 moment, 



' To fight his battles o'er again, 

 And thrice to slay the slain.' 



Among his followers may be traced the portraits of a numerous class of persons, who 



