Lot Essay
The inscription, in the artist's hand, is famously enigmatic. It does not refer to an identifiable stretch of coastline near Brighton (which is the most likely coastal scenery for the artist to have sketched in 1826), and while, with the inscription ending rather abruptly, it has been suggested that it may once have read 'Williamstown Stranded', there is no documentation of a ship of that name being wrecked at that time.
The present work is particularly interesting for including not only an atmospheric coastal sketch, but also the study of hollyhocks. The artist's flower studies have a particular charm and vividly display his deep interest in the observation of nature.
The 1891 Christie's sale included a significant group of 'Pictures and sketches in oil'. These had all been exhibited at the Grosvenor Gallery two years previously as variously the property of either the Executors or the Trustees of Isabel Constable.
The present work is particularly interesting for including not only an atmospheric coastal sketch, but also the study of hollyhocks. The artist's flower studies have a particular charm and vividly display his deep interest in the observation of nature.
The 1891 Christie's sale included a significant group of 'Pictures and sketches in oil'. These had all been exhibited at the Grosvenor Gallery two years previously as variously the property of either the Executors or the Trustees of Isabel Constable.