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Wire-haired Fox Terrier "Where's Master?" by Herbert Thomas Dicksee RE (1862 - 1942) "Where's Master" depicts King Edward VII's terrier Caesar by the King's empty chair by Herbert Thomas Dicksee RE (English, 1862 - 1942). This is the rarer and best version, a remarque proof on vellum signed in pencil by the artist. Titled next to Dicksee’s signature in the format of a dog’s collar name disc “CAESAR I BELONG TO THE KINGâ€. To the reverse, written in ink "Caesar Original Etching by Herbert Dicksee" on printed fine art dealer’s label “From C Klackner 20 Old Bond Street London". “Where's Master", the engraving was exhibited Royal Academy in 1911, catalogue number 1422. The Wire Fox Terrier "Caesar of Notts" was bred in 1898 by the Duchess of Newcastle, famous in the breed, and presented to King Edward VII in 1903. The King and his dog became inseparable. A medallion inscribed ' Caesar - I belong to the King' was attached to his collar.
Notes: At the foot of the tomb of Edward VII in St George's Chapel can be seen the curled up figure of Caesar, a wire-haired fox terrier and the King's favourite dog. Caesar was Edward VII's constant companion, following him everywhere and travelling the world with him.
Such was Edward's love of his scruffy sidekick that he had Faberge make a trinket of Caesar, which was given to Queen Alexandra.
Caesar might not have been popular with everyone, but Edward loved him. In fact he frequently caused problems for the King, escaping in Marienbad whilst chasing white peafowl and on another occasion killing rabbits owned by Lord Redesdale's daughters.
On Edward VII's death in 1910, Caesar is reported to have been heartbroken, barely eating or drinking, searching the rooms for his missing master. Hewould spend time whining outside the King's bedroom. At one point, he managed to sneak into the King's bedroom and was found hiding under his bed by Queen Alexandra. The Queen encouraged him to eat once more and restored him to his normal self.
The world was moved by photographs of the little dog, accompanied by Edward's favourite horse, trotting faithfully behind his master through the streets of London in the funeral procession, together at the last as they had always been. Caesar even preceded the crowned heads of Europe, including Kaiser Wilhelm, an insult which it has been claimed helped fuel the animosity which led to the First World War.
It was about this time that the German firm Steiff started producing their stuffed toy models of the dog.
Caesar went to live with Queen Alexandra, and continued his travels with her before eventually dying in 1914. She wrote for his epitaph Our beloved Caesar who was the King's Faithful and Constant Companion until Death and My Greatest Comforter in my Loneliness and Sorrow for Four Years after. Died April 18th 1914 The monument to Edward VII and Alexandra was unveiled in 1927. Sculpted by Bertram Mackennal, it shows Caesar back in his rightful place at the feet of his beloved master.
Images are available for public use with an acknowledgement to www.hamsheregallery.com
SIMILAR REQUIRED
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