Artwork
OPENING OF WATERLOO BRIDGE. JUNE. 18. 1817.
OPENING OF WATERLOO BRIDGE. JUNE. 18. 1817. is a print by John Constable. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print, 'Opening of Waterloo Bridge.
About this work
This print is part of a series based on John Constable's work. It's a representation of a specific event.
The event depicted is the opening of Waterloo Bridge in 1817. This print was created as part of a larger project.
To learn more about the techniques used in this print, look up the technique of mezzotint, but for now, consider the work of artist: Constable, John (RA)
Overview
This print, 'Opening of Waterloo Bridge. June. 18. 1817', is part of a series of landscapes based on the work of John Constable, created using the mezzotint technique.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the opening of Waterloo Bridge in 1817, an event of historical significance. Constable chose subjects with personal and historical importance to promote appreciation for England's scenery and highlight the role of light and shadow in landscape.
Technique & Style
The print is a mezzotint, a technique used to create rich tonal variations. David Lucas, a mezzotinter and former pupil of Samuel Reynolds, executed the work under Constable's supervision, drawing on the artist's oil sketches and finished paintings.
History & Provenance
The print is part of 'English Landscape', a series of 22 mezzotints published between 1830 and 1832, with a second edition in 1833. Constable oversaw the project before his death in 1837, after which the series was reprinted and expanded.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Constable (; 11 June 1776 – 31 March 1837) was an English landscape painter in the Romantic tradition.
