A remarkable discovery awaits art enthusiasts as an auction is set to showcase a sketch by the renowned English landscape artist, John Constable. Found tucked away in a suitcase during a house clearance, this pencil sketch depicts a captivating view of Dover harbour and the castle perched above the town, preserved for over two centuries. It is part of a collection of sketches that Constable created in April 1803 during his voyage on the East India Company ship Coutts, traveling from London to Deal.
In an intriguing letter penned to his friend, John Dunthorne, on May 23, 1803, Constable shared his experience: “I came on shore at Deal, walked to Dover (about one and a half hours), and the next day returned to London.”
Historians estimate that Constable produced around 130 sketches during his time aboard the ship, but unfortunately, most of them have vanished into obscurity.
This specific sketch of Dover was discovered within a fractured frame, hidden away in an old suitcase at a residence in the Leeds-York area. The house was undergoing clearance following the owner’s passing. Its authenticity is reinforced by the inscription on the back, which reads “J Constable,” possibly penned by Constable’s friend and patron, John Fisher. It is worth noting that Fisher dispersed many of Constable’s sketches and scrapbooks after the artist’s demise.
The sketch, presented by Dominic Cox of David Duggleby auctioneers, provides a meticulously detailed portrayal of Dover harbour. The composition showcases the quayside buildings, with the castle majestically positioned atop the town, and the cliffs stretching alluringly into the distance. Notably, the bottom right corner identifies the location, while a subtle indication of the year adorns the sky in the top right corner.
According to Cox, the survival of any of Constable’s sketches from this voyage can only be attributed to “the greatest good fortune.” In an interview with the Yorkshire Post, he revealed, “Constable had to hastily disembark the ship when the decision to depart for China was made, inadvertently leaving behind his carefully bundled collection of drawings. Fortunately, they were retrieved before they were lost to the exotic shores of the Far East.”
Art enthusiasts eager to own a piece of Constable’s legacy can participate in the upcoming auction. The sketch has been valued at an estimated £2,000-£3,000, representing a unique opportunity to acquire a work of art from one of Britain’s most celebrated artists.
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