Artwork
Summer Evening
Summer Evening is a print by the Romanticist artist David Lucas. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Summer Evening is a mezzotint print from John Constable's seminal series, English Landscape, published between 1830 and 1832. The work depicts a serene English countryside scene on a warm summer evening.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a peaceful summer evening in the English countryside, with soft light illuminating rolling hills, a quiet river, and trees framing the distant view. Constable selected this subject to promote appreciation for England's scenery and illustrate nature's reliance on chiaroscuro.
Technique & Style
Executed in mezzotint, a challenging technique renowned for producing deep blacks and smooth light gradations, Summer Evening reflects Constable's aim to replicate the aesthetic of his oil paintings in print form. The style draws on precedents set by Claude Lorrain and J.M.W. Turner.
History & Provenance
Created by David Lucas under Constable's supervision for English Landscape, Summer Evening was part of the original 22-subject series. Constable revised the series in 1833, and after his death in 1837, the plates underwent reprints and completions. The piece is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.
Context
English Landscape was Constable's late-career project to explain and justify his artistic vision, which had been met with misunderstanding during his lifetime. The series aimed to educate viewers on the importance of light and shadow in landscape painting.
Artist & collection
