Pets of the Belle Époque: “A Girl with Dogs” by Charles Burton Barber, 1893

Girl with Dogs
Charles Burton Barber, 1893
The Lady Lever Art Gallery
Liverpool

A popular subject matter of the late Nineteenth Century was the sentimental portrait of a child and his/her pets. Near the end of his life, painter Charles Burton Barber painted several such paintings, not so much out of a deep love for the subject, but because he knew they’d sell. And, sell they did.


Soap magnate Lord Leverhulme purchased this painting in 1901 for the purpose of using it in advertisements for Lever Brothers soap. The image of the little girl projected an innocent quality as she struggled to carry two puppies in her skirts while their nervous mother and sibling look on. As was often the case with Lord Leverhulme, he purchased the painting for business, but kept it for pleasure. It still resides in the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Liverpool. 

Pets of the Belle Époque: Cat and Dogs Belonging to Queen Victoria, 1885

Cat and Dogs Belonging to Queen Victoria
Charles Burton Barber, 1885
The Royal Collection

Throughout her entire life, Queen Victoria was a known animal lover and always enjoyed the companionship of her dogs and the occasional cat and parrot. As often as she had portraits painted of her human family, Victoria commissioned paintings (and photographs) of her beloved pets.


This 1885 painting by Charles Burton Barber shows three scrappy dogs and a rather well-mannered cat belonging to the queen. I’m not quite sure which of the Royal dogs these were, but, they were no doubt very loved. 

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Click on image to enlarge.

The Home Beautiful: “Dot and Cairnach, Skye Terriers” by Otto Weber, 1874

Dot and Cairnach, Skye Terriers
Otto Weber, 1874
The Royal Collection

Royal Academician Otto Weber was appointed portrait painter to The Royal Family in the 1870’s by Queen Victoria. Being as Victoria considered the royal pets to be as much a part of the family as anyone else, she commissioned Weber to paint portraits of her dogs, too.

This 1874 portrait shows two Skye Terriers who lived amongst the other dogs in the royal household. Known as Dot and Cairnach, these spirited companions were known to frolic through the corridors in typical terrier fashion. This wasn’t Cairnach’s first time posing for a portrait. He had previously been painted by Sir Edwin Landseer on several occasions and served as a great source of inspiration for the artist who used the terrier’s visage in quite a few masterpieces.

Curiously, another of Landseer's portraits is of a dog also called Cairnach.  This one dates to 1842.  This handsome pup, who was honored later by the name given to the Skye, was a Maltese Terrier.    The 1842 portrait roundel was a Christmas gift to Queen Victoria from Prince Albert.

Cairnach
Sir Edwin Landseer, 1842
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Royal Pets: Her Majesty’s Yacht and its Occupants

The Royal Collection

HMY Victoria and Albert II served as the official yacht of the Sovereign from 1855 until 1904. The vessel was used exclusively by the Royal Family and was operated and maintained by The Royal Navy. Queen Victoria and her family very much enjoyed having pets around as did King Edward VII. Here, we see evidence that the Royal pets didn’t stay at home when their masters went yachting.


In the first image, a crewmember who has been identified as a Lieutenant Watson patiently allows a Persian cat to perch atop his head. Someone on the right is pointing to the spectacle with much amusement. The image is listed as being taken in 1905, probably by Princess Victoria of Wales. I think the date is approximate. If the photo was, in fact, taken on HMY Victoria and Albert II, the date would have to have been prior to 1904.

The Royal Collection

Similarly, in this next photo, we see the same cat about to have a bit of a tussle with a scrappy terrier known as Mac. We can only hope that any quarrels these two might have had were resolved so that they could be good shipmates.

Pets of the Belle Époque: "Tiney," A Scotch Terrier

Meet “Tiney.” Tiney was a “Scotch Terrier” (though unlike any I’ve ever seen) who lived with the Royal Family in 1866. As we can see, Tiney was well-loved. His photo was taken in 1866 by court photographer, William Bambridge. This image comes from Queen Victoria’s personal collection of photographs. 

Clearly, Tiney was an important dog—important enough to have his picture taken. Considering that most people in 1866 had never been photographed, the fact that Tiney was is rather outstanding. For more images of nobility and their pets, visit the Royal Collection’s exhibition, “Noble Hounds and Dear Companions.”

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Princess Alice of Albany, 1886

Princess Alice of Albany
George Piner Cartland
April, 1886
A gift to Queen Victoria
The Royal Collection

The eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Albany, Princess Alice married Prince Alexander of Teck (brother of Mary of Teck, Queen Mary, the wife of King George V) in 1904. Prince Alexander would become Earl of Althone thereby making his wife Princess Alice, Countess of Althone—a title which she maintained until her death in 1981.


Here, we see Princess Alice as a young girl of three in this photograph taken in April of 1886. The photograph was presented as a gift to Queen Victoria who had a special fondness for the girl. The little princess poses in her wee coat, holding an umbrella. She is joined by her favorite companion, a little terrier.

Until her death, she was the only remaining grandchild of Queen Victoria, having lived through six reigns: Victoria (her grandmother), Edward VII (her uncle), George V (her cousin and brother-in-law), Edward VIII (her nephew), George VI (her nephew) and Elizabeth II (her grand-niece).

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
via The Royal Collection Trust
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Royal Pets: Two Royal Corgis from 1941 and 1948

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
via The Royal Collection Trust
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II is known for many things—among them her ever-present handbag and her corgis.  It seems that Elizabeth inherited her appreciation for these sturdy pups from her father, King George VI.  Here, we see the King in 1948 with one of his herd of corgis.  Both King and companion seem quite fixated on something in the distance.  This cheerful image was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth (“The Queen Mother”) and is further proof that despite their occasional ups and downs, the Royals are always kind to their dogs.

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
via The Royal Collection Trust
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Another favorite Corgi of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother was the Corgi which belonged to their daughters Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) and the Princess Margaret Rose.  Named Dookie, he's pictured here with the young princesses in a photo by Marcus Adams from 1941.

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Princess Elizabeth with a Parrot and a Terrier, 1928

Princess Elizabeth, Queen Mary, the Earl of Athlone
with "Charlotte" and "Snip," 1928
From the  Private Collection of Queen Mary
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Long before she was Queen, Elizabeth was a happy tot who enjoyed playing outdoors and spending time with the family pets.  In this photograph from 1928, we see Queen Elizabeth (then, Princess Elizabeth) with her grandmother, Queen Mary and the Earl of Athlone outside one of the family residences. She is joined by a rather substantial parrot named “Charlotte” and a terrier named, “Snip.”  Now, knowing terriers as I do, I am quite surprised to see that Charlotte isn’t in Snip’s mouth.  Perhaps this is the “before” picture.  Nevertheless, Her Majesty looks quite cute.  I wonder if the parrot was named for Queen Charlotte—wife of King George III.  Probably not, but it’s a nice thought.

Pets of the Belle Époque: Fluffy and Dovey, 1900

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Fluffy, the dog, I'm guessing; and, Dovey, the dove, are shown in this watercolor on ivory miniature. The painting was commissioned by Alexandra, Princess of Wales (later Queen Alexandra), by whom it was given to Princess Victoria of Wales as a Christmas gift in 1900.

The painting is the work of Mrs. Gertrude Massey, Née Seth (fl. 1898–1911), and is inscribed: FLUFFY & DOVEY.

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Vida, 1911

Vida
Robert Falcon Scott's Dog
1911
Presented to George V, 1914
The Royal Collection

A rather controversial figure of the time, Robert Falcon Scott, was a Royal Navy officer and explorer who lead two expeditions into the Antarctic. On these journeys, he and his crew used dogs to pull their sleds. Though, by all accounts, Scott wasn’t quite sure how to care for a dog in these conditions, he did seem to have genuine affection for them. One in particular was a favorite of Scott’s—a dog named Vida. Vida, it seems, had a bad coat and was very distrustful of people, but he soon grew to become attached to Scott.


Scott wrote in his journal of Vida, “He is a strange beast - I imagine so unused to kindness that it took him time to appreciate it.” In 1911, Scott had Vida photographed, looking very sweet.

During one of his polar expeditions in 1912, Scott and his companions died from exposure to the cold. They were discovered eight months later. In 1914, this photograph of Vida was presented to King George V in remembrance of Scott and his brave team.

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Via The Royal Collection Trust
Images Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Pets of the Belle Époque: "Tiney," A Scotch Terrier

Meet “Tiney.” Tiney was a “Scotch Terrier” (though unlike any I’ve ever seen) who lived with the Royal Family in 1866. As we can see, Tiney was well-loved. His photo was taken in 1866 by court photographer, William Bambridge. This image comes from Queen Victoria’s personal collection of photographs. 

Clearly, Tiney was an important dog—important enough to have his picture taken. Considering that most people in 1866 had never been photographed, the fact that Tiney was is rather outstanding. For more images of nobility and their pets, visit the Royal Collection’s exhibition, “Noble Hounds and Dear Companions.”

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Jet of Iada, Liverpool’s Famous Rescue Dog

"Jet of Iada"
Edna Rose, 1946
The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

Since today is Veteran's Day, in the U.S., I thought we'd look at objects honoring the history of those who have served for their countries.

In light of that, I will be posting the "Treat of the Week," tomorrow.  And, to once again quote my beloved Hazel, "It's a doozy."  

Now, let's carry on.  I like this heroic doggy.

This bronze bust by Edna Rose from the collection of Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery shows the proud, smiling face of Jet of Iada. Jet was the brave black dog who rescued dozens of people during the Second World War. Jet, who attended “War Dog School” at the age of nine months, is forever remember as Liverpool’s bravest canine. A memorial to Jet was erected in Liverpoole’s Calderstone Park. The daughter of Jet’s owner, Lilias Ward, said, “It was a very very satisfying day, sad, but satisfying, because he was a special person.”

A very special person, indeed. Three cheers for Jet and long may he be remembered. To hear more about jet, visit the Walker Art Gallery’s Web site to hear portions of an interview with Lilias Ward.

Pets of the Belle Époque: Cat and Dogs Belonging to Queen Victoria, 1885

Cat and Dogs Belonging to Queen Victoria
Charles Burton Barber, 1885
The Royal Collection

Throughout her entire life, Queen Victoria was a known animal lover and always enjoyed the companionship of her dogs and the occasional cat and parrot. As often as she had portraits painted of her human family, Victoria commissioned paintings (and photographs) of her beloved pets.


This 1885 painting by Charles Burton Barber shows three scrappy dogs and a rather well-mannered cat belonging to the queen. I’m not quite sure which of the Royal dogs these were, but, they were no doubt very loved. 

Pets of the Belle Époque: “Victoria, Princess Royal, with Eos” by Sir Edwin Landseer, 1841

Victoria, Princess Royal, with Eos
August, 1841
Sir Edwin Landseer
Commissioned by Queen Victoria on the
event of Prince Albert's Birthday
The Royal Collection

These days, I just seem to be constantly behind schedule.  So, it's another slow start today.  Let's get going by looking at some more Royal Family birthday gifts.  Queen Victoria's birthday has past, it was May 24th, but, let's look ahead to Prince Albert's.

Here, we see another painting by Landseer from the same year. This time, Eos is peacefully curled up with Victoria, Princess Royal. Queen Victoria commissioned Landseer to paint this portrait of their eight-month old daughter with Prince Albert’s beloved Eos as a gift for the Prince’s birthday on August 26, 1841.  This tender scene shows the child to be alert and bright, her foot resting on the nose of the patient, loyal hound.

Also included in the painting is a barbary dove—perched on the arm of the green silk bergère chair upon which the infant princess rests. This dove was a symbol of childhood innocence, but also represented the vast assemblage of birds which Queen Victoria and Prince Albert houses in the Royal Aviary in the Home Park of Windsor.

By all accounts, Prince Albert was thrilled with the portrait which was displayed near the painting of Eos protecting his master’s belongings. 

Antique Image of the Day: Princess Alice of Albany, 1886

Princess Alice of Albany
George Piner Cartland
April, 1886
A gift to Queen Victoria
The Royal Collection

The eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Albany, Princess Alice married Prince Alexander of Teck (brother of Mary of Teck, Queen Mary, the wife of King George V) in 1904. Prince Alexander would become Earl of Althone thereby making his wife Princess Alice, Countess of Althone—a title which she maintained until her death in 1981.


Here, we see Princess Alice as a young girl of three in this photograph taken in April of 1886. The photograph was presented as a gift to Queen Victoria who had a special fondness for the girl. The little princess poses in her wee coat, holding an umbrella. She is joined by her favorite companion, a little terrier.

Until her death, she was the only remaining grandchild of Queen Victoria, having lived through six reigns: Victoria (her grandmother), Edward VII (her uncle), George V (her cousin and brother-in-law), Edward VIII (her nephew), George VI (her nephew) and Elizabeth II (her grand-niece).

Pets of the Belle Époque: King Edward VII’s Dog, Caesar

"I am Caesar.  I belong to the King."

I'm repeating portions of this article from 2010 because, well, I'm particularly fond of the story of Edward VII and his terrier buddy.  I have updated this article quite a lot and added many new images as well as film footage from Edward VII's 1910 funeral procession.

Caesar, The Royal Collection

King Edward VII, son of Queen Victoria, was a great lover of dogs. He kept many dogs as companions and for sport, however, his favorite was a Wire Fox Terrier named Caesar. Caesar was King Edward’s constant companion. When the king traveled both in England, and abroad, he always brought Caesar with him. Caesar, being a terrier, had a mind of his own and was known to get into mischief from time-to-time. That only made the King love him more.

Caesar and Edward VII
The Royal Collection

Caesar wore a jaunty little collar with a gold tag which read. “I am Caesar. I belong to the King.” The tag served useful when Caesar invariably ran off in search of adventure—something he did quite often. Once, in fact, the entire Marienbad Police Force was dispatched to find Caesar after he had darted into the woods. While Caesar was perfect in the King’s eyes, when he would visit friends, his hosts often found the dog to be rather “stinky.”

Such a beloved pet, Caesar was immortalized in a jeweled sculpture created by Carl Fabergé which was given as gift from the King to his wife Queen Alexandra. Made of enameled chalcedony, the figure featured a gold collar and ruby eyes.

Figure of Caesar by Fabergé 
Jackson's World

In 1910, upon the death of the King, Caesar was reportedly broken hearted. The terrier walked in the King’s funeral procession—behind the carriage holding the casket. The sculpture atop the tomb of Edward VII depicts Caesar curled up at the King’s feet.

The British people felt a deep sympathy for Caesar and his bereavement. His image graced many postcards and a book was written “by Caesar” following the King’s death entitled, “Where’s Master?” The frontispiece of the book reads as follows:

We’ve come to the end of the journey.
They say I can’t follow Master any further.
They say there are no little dogs where master has gone.
...But, I know better.

Caesar in the King's Funeral Procession
The Royal Collection

Caesar's Book
Jackson's World

Upon the King’s death, Caesar stayed close to Queen Alexandra. When he passed away, she described him as her greatest comfort during a time of great loneliness. Caesar was a noble and royal companion who just happened to have a royal master.

The Queen made sure that Caesar was given a tomb of his own which befitted his noble spirit.

When the tomb of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra was unveiled in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in 1927, the Royal Family was pleased to see that sculptor Bertram Mackennal placed Caesar back in his rightful place at the feet of the King.

Caesar as depicted on the tomb at St. George's Chapel

A View of the Tomb of Edward VII and Alexandra taken just after the unveiling in 1927

Another View of Edward VII's Funeral Procession.
Caesar is shown by the black arrow.


 

Where's Master?