Memoirs of the Life of John Constable, Esq., R.A.
Composed Chiefly of his Letters

This biography, reissued in its expanded 1845 edition, offers an informed portrait of a great artist through his personal correspondence.

Charles Robert Leslie (Edited by), John Constable (Author)

9781108059558, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 May 2013

386 pages, 3 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm, 0.57 kg

First published in 1843 and reissued here in its expanded second edition of 1845, this biography represents an early and informed portrait of the prolific landscape artist and draughtsman John Constable (1776–1837). An upbringing in the East Anglian countryside and his first sighting of a painting by Claude Lorrain inspired his lifelong dedication to capturing scenes from nature, reflected in early works such as Dedham Vale (1802) and in his mature masterpieces, notably The Hay Wain (1821). Prepared by Charles Robert Leslie (1794–1859), a close friend and fellow member of the Royal Academy, this work is based principally on his collection of Constable's letters and papers, drawing also on friends' accounts of the artist. Illuminating his relationship with Maria Bicknell and the influence of early mentor Sir George Beaumont, the book details the development of Constable's career, revealing the nature of his opinions and anxieties.

Preface
1. 1776–1810
2. 1811–12
3. 1813–14
4. 1815–16
5. 1817–21
6. 1822
7. 1823
8. 1824
9. 1825
10. 1826–7
11. 1828–9
12. 1830–1
13. 1832
14. 1833
15. 1834–5
16. 1836–7
17. Miscellaneous
18. Notes of six lectures.

Subject Areas: The arts: general issues [AB]