David Lucas, After John Constable, the Cornfield - Antique Engraving

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This charming engraving by David Lucas (1802-1881) is after a well-loved rural scene by John Constable (1776-1837) titled ‘The Cornfield’. It’s finely rendered and was initially commissioned by Constable for a book, ‘Various Subjects of Landscape, Characteristic of English Scenery’, first published in 1830.

It depicts a young lad, dry from Summer heat, conspicuously stretching to drink from a pool. As a boy, Constable wandered through this lane towards his school in Dedham, so perhaps he’s recalling a memory from his own childhood. The original was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1826 but titled ‘Landscape: Noon’. And at the British Institution a year later, it was accompanied by a poem:

A fresher gale

Begins to wave the woods and stir the stream,

Sweeping with shadowy gust the fields of corn.

James Thomson, "Summer", The Seasons

This engraving by Lucas is finely done and brings its own monochrome mood. In many ways, it’s more atmospheric than the original due to its lack of colour. It feels akin to an engraving after an old master three centuries earlier. And perhaps, as we look back, this is an appropriate comparison for an artist that we consider a master of the British idyll.

Housed within a later frame.

Learn more about David Lucas and John Constable in our directory.

Medium: Engraving on paper

Overall size: 29” x 34” / 74cm x 87cm

Year of creation: c. 1834

Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

87cm (34.25")

Width

74cm (29.13")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA908597

Description

This charming engraving by David Lucas (1802-1881) is after a well-loved rural scene by John Constable (1776-1837) titled ‘The Cornfield’.

“

It’s finely rendered and was initially commissioned by Constable for a book, ‘Various Subjects of Landscape, Characteristic of English Scenery’, first published in 1830.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. David Lucas, After John Constable, The Cornfield - Antique Engraving — fig 1. David Lucas, After John Constable, the Cornfield - Antique Engraving

It depicts a young lad, dry from Summer heat, conspicuously stretching to drink from a pool. As a boy, Constable wandered through this lane towards his school in Dedham, so perhaps he’s recalling a memory from his own childhood. The original was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1826 but titled ‘Landscape: Noon’. And at the British Institution a year later, it was accompanied by a poem:

fig 2. David Lucas, After John Constable, The Cornfield - Antique Engraving — fig 2. David Lucas, After John Constable, the Cornfield - Antique Engraving

A fresher gale

Begins to wave the woods and stir the stream,

Sweeping with shadowy gust the fields of corn.

James Thomson, "Summer", The Seasons

This engraving by Lucas is finely done and brings its own monochrome mood. In many ways, it’s more atmospheric than the original due to its lack of colour. It feels akin to an engraving after an old master three centuries earlier. And perhaps, as we look back, this is an appropriate comparison for an artist that we consider a master of the British idyll.