Although Cooper's assertion that his collaboration with F.R. Lee began in 1848 and ended in 1856 has long been accepted, Cooper had previously introduced cattle into Lee's Royal Academy exhibit View from Posbury, looking towards Exeter (1845, no.345), and joint reproductions continued until at least as late as 1867. Queen Victoria was among those who admired their joint efforts, calling them 'the Beaumont and Fletcher of Art'.
The division of labour was decided by Lee, who would leave areas of his landscapes unpainted where he wished Cooper to introduce the animals. However, even after their collaboration ceased, the demand for 'joint' works induced owners of Lee's paintings to commission Cooper to add cattle into finished works, the practise continuing long after Lee's death in 1879.

We are grateful to Kenneth J. Westwood for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.