S2 S/Ji EDWIN LANDSEER, R.A. 



" The Cavalier's Pets," of which an engraving Is here given, is the title given to a 

 couple of Blenheim spaniels belonging to the late Mr. Vernon, who was rarely seen in 

 his home without two or three of these beautiful little canine companions, his constant 

 associates ; for he had no family to share with him the comforts and luxuries of his 

 dwelling. These " pets " may, therefore, be considered family-portraits. 



The picture was exhibited at the British Institution In 1845, with the title of 

 "King Charles's Spaniels;" it Is now In the National Gallery. The commission 

 for it was given some time previously, when the artist called one day to pay a visit 

 to Mr. Vernon at his residence In Pall Mall. A rough sketch of the dogs was at 

 once taken, but a considerable time elapsed without the picture making Its appear- 

 ance, owing to the painter's numerous prior engagements. At length Landseer and 

 Mr. Vernon meeting accidentally in the street, the former was reminded of his engage- 

 ment. Two days afterwards the picture was safely delivered to its owner, just as It now 

 hangs In the gallery. This fact is mentioned to show the rapidity with which the 

 artist was sometimes accustomed to work, as he had not touched the canvas when the 

 subject was alluded to In the street. Yet there Is no sign of haste in execution ; it Is 

 spiritedly sketched, and shows enough of care in the finish to make It a valuable 

 example of the painter's pencil. The heads are remarkable for their life-like and 

 vigilant expression ; both are turned towards the same point, as if watching the 

 entrance of some person Into the apartment. The accessories Introduced, especially 

 the hat and feather of the age of Cavaliers, justify the title here given to the picture. 



Like many another domestic favourite, these two dogs came to an untimely end ; 

 the light-coloured one met his death by falling from a table, and the other by a fall 

 through the railings of the staircase in his master's house, on to the marble-floor below. 

 Both accidents happened within a comparatively short time of each other. Mr. 

 Vernon, of course, soon filled up the "vacancies;" but it Is not a little singular that 

 the last spaniel in his possession died only two or three days before the death of that 

 gentleman. 



This description of dog Is the smallest of the spaniel variety ; It is generally known 

 as the " Blenheim " spaniel, from the breed being for a' long time almost entirely the 

 property of the Marlborough family. They are invariably red and white, or black and 

 white, with very long ears, short noses, and large, full, black eyes, which, when the 

 animal is excited, it dilates considerably. Charles I. was much attached to this tribe 

 of dogs, and Van Dyck frequently introduced them Into his pictures of this unfortunate 

 monarch. The black, and black-and-tan variety, known as " King Charles's Spaniels," 

 were the constant companions of his son, Charles II., who was rarely seen In his walks 

 without some of these beautiful little creatures at his heels. The late Marchioness of 

 Londonderry, wife of the eminent statesman so well known In history as Lord Castle- 

 reagh, was a great lover of animals, both wild and domestic, and owned quite a 



