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John Constable

1776 – 1837

Stonehenge by John Constable
 

Stonehenge   c.1832 / 1843

  Mezzotint by David Lucas after John Constable.
Ref: Shirley 41, progress proof "e"
S 269 x 370 mm; P 214 x 279 mm; I (borderline) 133 x 200 mm
SOLD
 
Rare progress proof before all letters.

Superb working proof impression, before the path to the left of the signpost had been scraped and outlined in drypoint and before the signpost and parts of the foreground had been made lighter. Prior to all lettering and before the normal published issue. This beautiful early proof impression has been carefully inked and wiped to produce a fine balance of tonal range from the freshly mezzotinted plate.

Stonehenge was much discussed by John Constable as the subject of a mezzotint engraving for the projected Appendix to the English Landscape series during November, 1832. However, it is thought that Lucas did not embark upon the engraving until many years later. The resulting plate is quite different in style from anything else in either the original series or its later continuation.

On warm white wove paper, with full margins and evidence of original stitching at extreme left edge of sheet. Mild mottled discolouration to sheet, otherwise very good original condition.