Richard Ansdell (1815–1885) was a leading British painter of the Victorian Era, celebrated for his grand sporting scenes and detailed animal portraiture. Born in Liverpool, Ansdell was a standout figure in the Royal Academy, where he exhibited for nearly forty years. While he worked during the same period as Sir Edwin Landseer, Ansdell developed a distinctively rugged style characterized by dramatic narrative and anatomical precision. He traveled extensively through the Scottish Highlands, often under the patronage of wealthy estate owners, which inspired his most famous works like The Stag at Bay and The Gamekeeper. His painting style belongs to the Romantic Realism tradition, focusing on the powerful bond between humans and animals against sweeping, atmospheric landscapes. For the cross stitcher, Ansdell’s work offers a rich tapestry of textures—from the coarse coat of a hunting dog to the misty peaks of the moors. Stitching an Ansdell design brings the majesty of the Great Outdoors into your home, capturing the noble spirit of wildlife and the heritage of the British countryside in every carefully placed stitch.