[1][2] During journeys to Italy Maitland encountered the works of early Italian masters.
Their paintings formed the basis of a major part of his collection, anticipating later interest in Sandro Botticelli and others.
[1] Maitland died suddenly at Stansted Hall, Essex in 1876, and was buried in the parish on 19 February.
[1] Maitland contributed to the Old Masters' Exhibitions of the Royal Academy, lending pictures over many years.
After his death the bulk of his collection was exhibited at the South Kensington Museum; and subsequently nine of the major pictures were sold to the National Gallery, London.