John Constable, R.A. 1776-1837

with another entitled East Bergholt, attributed to George Frost

Hugh Constable, grandson of the artist;
Purchased by Leggatt Bros from Hugh Constable, their exhibition October - November 1899;
Sir Harry Baldwin C.V.O, of 37 Cavendish Square;
R.H.M. Manniott, his sale Tennants, Richmond, Yorkshire, 20th July 1977, lots 97 and 98, bt. by the present owner (lot 97 £240, lot 98 £180)

Leggatt Bros, Pictures & Water-colour drawings by John Constable, R.A., October - November 1899

John Constable: This large drawing is on a rough, thick , laid paper with no apparent watermark. On the verso it is taped, with brown paper, to the overlay section of the mount. the sheet is time stained quite severely in places and there is water damage, mostly to the left-hand side of the sheet, which shows up particularly in the area of sky. Medium: The black chalk has been fixed and therefore is in a good condition Attributed to George Frost: Some paper staining throughout. There are several tears at the extreme edge of the sheet. The medium very strong.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Both these drawings were traditionally attributed to John Constable. Indeed, the view down a lane with trees on the left, now attributed to George Frost, made the higher price when last offered for sale on the open market (see Provenance). However, a close comparison of the handling, which is less stylistic and more spontaneous in the Constable drawing accompanies an inscription on the verso which appears to be in his hand. It implies that he gave this drawing on the 10th April 1805 a gift presumably to a member of his family given that it was sold by his grandson.