Constable Portraits
Category: Books,Arts & Photography,History & Criticism
Constable Portraits Details
'I've always thought that it was completely loopy for people to go on about portrait painters, English portrait painters, and not to have Constable among them.' Lucian Freud, 2002 Published to coincide with the first ever exhibition dedicated to Constable's portraits, this book will present new scholarship and argue that many of these unexplored paintings are worthy of close attention, both for their contribution to the history of portraiture and for the insights they bring to a painter of international acclaim. Constable's sitters make up a 'Jane Austen' world, belonging to the middle and upper ranks of early-nineteenth century provincial society: clergymen and their wives, landed gentry and families wealthy from trade. A number of previously unknown works are featured in this delightful book, including family members, close friends and children, as well as commissioned portraits. Collectively, they provide a fascinating insight into the period. This book and exhibition seek to vindicate the view of Lucian Freud that Constable belongs an important tradition of British portraiture, to bring Constable's portraits back to the fore, and give them the critical acclaim that they deserve. Published to accompany the exhibition Constable Portraits: The Painter and His Circle at the National Portrait Gallery, London, 5 March - 14 June 2009, and at Compton Verney, Warwickshire, 27 June - 6 September 2009.
Reviews
This book was published in 2009 to accompany the National Portrait Gallery exhibition entitled "Constable Portraits:the painter and his circle."Although Constable is noted for his landscapes the boopk concentrates mainly on self portraits,family and friends with some aquaintances.A few landscapes and sketchesare included in the 49 plates.My favourites are the magnificent portraits as Constable as a young man and as he grows older.Very well produced to a standard that is expected and required of the National Portrait Gallery.