The first proof of an etching showing animals at a manger. After Sir Edwin Landseer. Two horses and a donkey are shown eating from a manger, with the horse to the left wearing a collar with bells. Inscribed lower left (with "E" reversed): VR sclt: after E Landseer April 1841 -
Inscribed lower left: 1st proof.

Queen Victoria's first etching was made on 28 August 1840, under the guidance of Sir George Hayter who was working on his oil painting of the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (RCIN 407165) at the time.

Hayter was responsible for the acid-biting of all of the early plates but was soon replaced in this task by Queen Victoria's dresser, Marianne Skerrett. The London dealers and publishers Colnaghi & Co were also used for some of the more complicated plates. A printing press was set up at Buckingham Palace in 1840 by the firm of Holdgate but some of the royal couple's plates were also printed by a Mr Brown of Castle-Street, Windsor, in the autumn of that year

From 1842 the royal couple were also tutored by Sir Edwin Landseer, whose designs they sometimes copied.

ASE 37

This etching is housed in one of six volumes, put together by Queen Victoria, of etchings by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. For other items in this album see Victoria & Albert Etchings Volume 2.