Eos, the black and white greyhound bitch which was Prince Albert's favorite looks fondly into her master's eyes, as does the Terrier Dandie, who sits to his right. It should be noted that the name Dandie is somewhat of a misnomer, for the dog was clearly an early Skye Terrier, a breed which the Queen was to have for many years and which continued to be a favorite throughout her life. Considering that the painting was started in 1841, it is a very early depiction of a Skye.

The dog sitting on its hind legs and posing in a begging position is another Skye Terrier, Islay, as is the Terrier seen beyond, looking up at the young princess.

Queen Victoria was devoted to her dogs, and while they play a secondary role in "Windsor castle in Modern Times" she did commission both Landseer and other lesser artists to complete portraits of many of her dogs, a group of paintings which will be discussed in the section "Queen Victoria and Pet Portraits."

Landseer himself did portraits of many individual royal dogs. Typical of his style during this period is the extraordinary portrait of Eos (illustration 3-128). One of the artist's most successful dog portraits per se, the painting was commissioned as a gift for Prince Albert.

Landseer has chosen a composition which complemented the dog's large scale, and while some of the props -- the top hat, glove and cane -- are ambiguous clues to the scene which Landseer has set, there is nothing ambiguous about the noble dog's love and devotion for her master. Standing at attention, her black coat glistening against the rich red ground of the tablecloth, she is the picture of canine grace and devotion.

Prince Albert was himself very fond of dogs and he excelled in the hunting field. His fondness for outdoor sports undoubtedly contributed to the Royal couple's interest in the Scottish Highlands.

The Royal Family paid their first visit to Scotland in 1842, some eighteen years after Landseer, and one can imagine that it must have had a strong effect on the royal couple. The Queen's physician Sir James Clark had recommended the highlands for its bracing, pure mountain air. Staying with Lord Breadalbane at Taymouth Castle for their first visit, the couple was enchanted. "Scotland has made the most favorable impression on us both," wrote Prince Albert, " The country is full of beauty, of a severe and grand character; perfect for sport of all kinds, and the air remarkable pure and light in comparison with what we have here."