Landseer had his first interview to discuss this picture two months after the royal couple's marriage in 13 April 1840; at this stage the painting seems to have been planned as a happy sequel to Queen Victoria Riding Out (Royal Collection), which was exhibited in that year, it is of almost identical dimensions and originally hung with it as a pair. After various false starts the Queen was able to report on 2 October 1845 that the 'Game Picture (begun in 1840!), with us 2, Vicky [the Princess Royal] & the dear dogs is at last hung up in our sitting-room here [Windsor], & is very beautiful picture, & altogether very cheerful & pleasing'. Landseer was paid a very handsome 800 guineas for the piece.

We must imagine that Prince Albert, Ranger of the Great Park, has spent the day shooting and returns laden with booty - kingfisher, jay, mallard, woodcock, pheasant and ptarmigan - which he proudly, if not very probably, spreads out upon the drawing room carpet. He sits in outdoor clothing, with muddy boots, bag and powder pouch, patting his favourite dog, Eos, while Dandy Dinmont, Islay and Cairnach fuss around. The Queen welcomes her husband home by presenting him with a nosegay; their daughter plays with a dead kingfisher — a 'Halcyon', symbol of peace.

The scene is set in the White Drawing Room at Windsor, decorated with the Morel and Seddon furniture commissioned by George IV, and with a view of the East Terrace, upon which Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent, is seen enjoying a circuit in a bath chair. Some liberties have been taken with the scene: the light of the setting sun does not quite seem to strike at the right angle and the windows seem to be entirely without glass.

Inscribed on the the back with the names of the sitters and dogs as having been begun in 1840 and finished in 1843.

Text adapted from The Conversation Piece: Scenes of fashionable life, London, 2009