John Constable (Masters of Art Series) Hardcover – January 1, 1991

by John Walker (Author)

4.0 8 ratings

Part of: Masters of Art (27 books)

See all formats and editions

The full range of the art of John Constable (1776- 1837), who is best known for his exquisite sun-dappled landscapes of the English countryside, is revealed in this magnificent Masters of Art volume. The 48 colorplates and numerous black-and-white illustrations display the extraordinary beauty and dazzling technique of Constable's work that made him, along with Gainsborough and Turner, one of Britain's greatest painters. In addition to well-known works such as Dedham Vale, The Hay-Wain, and The Leaping Horse, the colorplates include the full-sized oil sketches that are unique to Constable and which provide a rare glimpse into the artist's thinking as he altered details for a finished work in a constant search for perfection. With his portrayal of the intangibles of light, sky, and atmosphere-billowing clouds, sunshine and shadow racing across meadows, water glinting with reflected light -- Constable's celebration of Nature represents a revolutionary break with earlier landscape painting, and in many ways anticipates the work of the Impressionists. In brilliant text and commentaries, John Walker, distinguished scholar and Director Emeritus of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, provides an insightful account of Constable's life and career. Drawing on extensive correspondence between the artist and his family, friends, and patrons, Walker captures the essence of the man and his art. 124 illustrations, including 48 plates in full color

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This brief Constable biography, which includes a discussion of his "greatness" and "character," is followed by 48 color plates with full-page commentaries. The writing is excellent and the analyses are perceptive, but this work provides little that is new or significant in this already well-documented field. A caveat: this is a lamb in wolf's clothing. A "concise edition" of a 1978 publication ( LJ 2/1/80), the current work differs only in that it provides less text and fewer illustrations than its predecessor. Libraries that already have the earlier volume have no need for this work and, although the price is low given the quality of the illustrations, it is not a necessary purchase for any institution.
- Paula Frosch, Metropolitan Museum of Art Lib., N . Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harry N Abrams Inc; Concise, Subsequent edition (January 1, 1991)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0810931710
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0810931718
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.5 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.25 x 0.5 x 12.25 inches