Doubtful Crumbs
On publication in 1862 the leading art periodical "The Art Journal" described the scene depicted in this print as a "magnificent mastiff, sleeping with his paw on the bone off which he has dined, and the hungry-looking puppy standing by with wistful gaze on the remnants of the feast." It admired the transcription of Thomas Landseer's amusing painting by his elder brother shown at the Royal Academy of Arts, London in 1859. The printmaker having "certainly made from this subject one of his most successful engravings" continued the periodical. The painter, Sir Edwin Landseer's ability to transpose human relationships and emotions onto animals was much admired in nineteenth-century Britain, and prints after his works were widely popular.
Artwork Details
- Title: Doubtful Crumbs
- Artist: After Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (British, London 1802–1873 London)
- Engraver: Thomas Landseer (British, London 1795–1880 London)
- Publisher: Fores & Co. (London)
- Date: January 20, 1862
- Medium: Mixed method engraving on chine collé; proof before letters
- Dimensions: Plate: 29 1/8 × 32 3/16 in. (74 × 81.7 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1947
- Object Number: 47.30.67
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.