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John Constable

1776 – 1837

A Seabeach, Brighton by John Constable
 

A Seabeach, Brighton   1830

  Mezzotint by David Lucas as directed by John Constable.
Ref: Shirley 17 iv/v; Barnard 11 iv/v
S 295 x 438 mm; P 188 x 254 mm; I 141 x 221 mm
SOLD
 
Very good impression in Barnard’s fourth state, as published in the second part of Various Subjects of Landscape, Characteristic of English Scenery, in January 1831 (carrying the engraved date of 1830).

John Constable had first visited Brighton in 1824, bringing his wife for a protracted stay in the hope that the sea air would restore her failing health. He returned on a number of occassions over the following four years and made many drawings and oil sketches on his visits, particularly of the beach with its boats and fishermen, preferring this aspect of the place to its more fashionable side. The image of this particular mezzotint was based upon an oil sketch, now in the Detroit Institute of Arts, which was intended to convey “one of those animated days when the masses of clouds, aggitated and torn, are passing rapidly”.

On fine India paper applied to original pale cream wove backing sheet with full margins, as issued. Very good condition.