After John Constable, Wooded Lane with Figures, 1875, Etching

Details

Description

An unlettered English landscape etching of a wooded lane, probably after John Constable, from the same small format as our … Read more An unlettered English landscape etching of a wooded lane, probably after John Constable, from the same small format as our Willy Lott's House. A sandy lane winds between tall trees toward open country and a far village. A woman with a basket walks down the right side of the road, a child lies in the grass at the center, and figures rest by a fence beyond. Above, a broken sky of cloud is drawn in quick, nervous strokes that match the foliage below. No title, artist or etcher is lettered on the sheet. A single auction record lists an etching of this kind as a landscape after John Constable dated 1875, and the plate shares its size, paper and manner with the Willy Lott's House etching in the same group, which is recorded as after Constable. On that evidence the attribution is probable rather than certain, and the subject is described here rather than named. Whatever its source, it is a lively piece of Victorian painter's etching: the lane, the light on the open field and the deep shade under the trees are set down with real economy of line. Hung as a pair with the Willy Lott's House etching, or on its own in a study or reading corner, it rewards close viewing and suits a wide mat. The etched image is small, about 9.4 by 13.9 cm (height by width), printed on a large sheet whose wide margins are part of its charm. Condition: Age toning, darker at the edges; handling soiling along the edges and scattered foxing in the margins. Printed image clean. This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed. See less