A painting by Sir Edwin Landseer, titled *The Monarch of the Glen’s* “sister” work, sold for £5.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in London on October 23, 2024. The 1851 oil painting, *The Monarch of the Glen (Study)*, surpassed its high estimate of £4 million, highlighting the enduring market demand for 19th-century British art.
What is the history behind the painting?
Sir Edwin Landseer, a favorite artist of Queen Victoria, completed this study in 1851, the same year he finished the more famous *The Monarch of the Glen*. While the primary version—depicting a majestic red stag—became an iconic symbol of the Scottish Highlands, this smaller study was created as a preparatory piece. According to Sotheby’s, the work remained in private hands for decades, rarely appearing on the public market. Its recent sale marks a notable moment for collectors of Victorian-era Romanticism.
Why did the auction price exceed expectations?
The final price of £5.9 million, which includes the buyer’s premium, reflects the scarcity of high-quality Landseer works. Art market analysts note that provenance and the direct connection to one of Britain’s most recognizable paintings drove competitive bidding. While the primary *Monarch of the Glen* is now held by the National Galleries of Scotland following a high-profile public fundraising campaign in 2017, this study offered private collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of the same artistic lineage.
How does this compare to Landseer’s market value?
The sale price underscores a steady interest in Landseer’s depictions of Highland wildlife.
* The Monarch of the Glen (1851): Acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland for approximately £4 million in 2017 after a national campaign.
* The Monarch of the Glen (Study) (1851): Sold at Sotheby’s in 2024 for £5.9 million.
While the primary painting is significantly larger and more famous, the “study” version outperformed the 2017 valuation of the original, adjusted for the current market appetite for 19th-century masters.
What happens to the painting now?
Following the auction at Sotheby’s, the painting will transfer to the successful bidder. Because the buyer was anonymous, the future public accessibility of the work remains uncertain. Unlike the primary version held by the National Galleries of Scotland, which is on permanent public display, this study is expected to return to a private collection. The sale serves as a reminder of the shifting ownership of cultural heritage, where significant Victorian art often moves between private hands before occasionally entering public institutions.