- 187
John Constable, R.A.
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
- John Constable, R.A.
- Study of Susanna Hobson reading a book
- Pencil, on laid paper watermarked: IKE (George Pike);
inscribed lower left: S.H - 181 by 112 mm
Provenance
Sale, London, Sotheby's, 11 July 1990, lot 18
Literature
G. Reynolds, The Early Paintings and Drawings of John Constable, Yale 1996, no. 06.77, p. 82, pl. 430
Condition
The pencil remains bold and clear in this work. There is minor discolouration to the sheet and some very minor surface dirt but there does not disrupt the balance of the composition. The extreme edges of the sheet have darkened somewhat with time. The sheet is not laid down but is attached to the backboard at its corners.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
John Constable drew this intimate portrait in the summer of 1806 during his stay with William Hobson and his family at Markfield House in Tottenham. He had been introduced to the area by Mrs Priscilla Wakefield and it is thought that Constable may have acted as a temporary drawing-master to Hobson’s thirteen daughters. William Hobson was a prosperous building contractor who had been responsible for the construction of the Martello Towers (coastal defences against Napoleon), part of the London docks and St. Luke’s Hospital, Old Street. By the time of Constable’s visit he and his family had only recently moved into Markfield, a house that he had designed himself.
Between the 24th June and 11th July, Constable executed a number of informal studies of the family. Two sketch-books survive in the Louvre and much as with the present drawing, they show Mr and Mrs Hobson’s children relaxing in and around their home.1 Susanna Hobson was born in 1786 and was therefore twenty years old at the time of Constable's drawing.
1. G. Reynolds, op. cit., no. 06.28. & 06.29
Between the 24th June and 11th July, Constable executed a number of informal studies of the family. Two sketch-books survive in the Louvre and much as with the present drawing, they show Mr and Mrs Hobson’s children relaxing in and around their home.1 Susanna Hobson was born in 1786 and was therefore twenty years old at the time of Constable's drawing.
1. G. Reynolds, op. cit., no. 06.28. & 06.29