We are showing you here one of the best-known animal paintings in the history of art. Some of you may well remember it, and not only because it featured on the label of a well-known brand of whisky! There is no denying this stag is indeed a splendid specimen most immaculately painted. He stands proudly on a hillock in the foreground, his head, carrying a fine head of antlers, is raised and he is looking into the distance. His hide (or coat) is a rich series of browns and yellow ochres. The background is suitably dramatic stormy sky, craggy hills and mist-filled valley below.
Now let's find our "Monarch" on the thermoform which has the usual marks, double dots for centre marks, and single ones for the quarters. Dropping down from the top centre mark you will immediately find the antlers, or horns, spreading out to left and right. A mature stag can have as many as twelve points or tips. When you count them, they are easy to find but two overlap on the left-hand side. I am told by experts that a stag rarely carries more than twelve points. One such as this is a very fine specimen. The antlers themselves are deep brown, but each sharp point is yellow/orange.