The painting became a cliché by the mid 20th century – "the ultimate biscuit tin image of Scotland", in the words of one journalist. The image was used to advertise products from Glenfiddich whiskey to McVitie's shortbread.

The painting depicts a twelve-point red deer stag, named so because of the twelve tines, or points, on his antlers. One of the most popular paintings of the 19th century, it's a romantic evocation of the Scottish Highlands, with the majestic stag a symbol of their wildness and grandeur.

The painter, Edwin Landseer, was renowned for his depictions of animals. Aside from the "Monarch", he's best known for the lion sculptures at the base of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.