In 1819 English artist John Constable (1776–1837) produced The White Horse, the first in a series of six large-scale canvases featuring the River Stour. His decision to create works that by their very size attracted attention when exhibited, but also reflected a more classical style, marked a turning point in Constable’s career. This book concentrates on these remarkable works.
This beautifully illustrated book, featuring newly-commissioned essays by leading experts, accompanies a major touring exhibition that brings these masterpieces together for the first time. By showing each work beside its fullscale compositional sketch, it allows a new understanding and appreciation of Constable’s artistic process. These time-consuming sketches were an innovative tool used by Constable primarily to aid his move from working outdoors to the studio, and became his practice until the end of his career.
This beautifully illustrated book, featuring newly-commissioned essays by leading experts, accompanies a major touring exhibition that brings these masterpieces together for the first time. By showing each work beside its fullscale compositional sketch, it allows a new understanding and appreciation of Constable’s artistic process. These time-consuming sketches were an innovative tool used by Constable primarily to aid his move from working outdoors to the studio, and became his practice until the end of his career.
