
In Tate Britain
Prints and Drawings Room
View by appointment- Artist
- John Constable 1776–1837
- Medium
- Graphite on paper
- Dimensions
- Support: 237 × 188 mm
- Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Purchased as part of the Oppé Collection with assistance from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund 1996
- Reference
- T08148
Display caption
During the early years of his career Constable painted portraits and altarpieces as well as landscape oils. This pencil sketch is a study for his large group portrait of 'The Bridges Family' in the Tate Gallery. The finished picture shows George Bridges, a banker and merchant, with his wife and eight children in their Essex home, Lawford Place. At the time Constable was painting the portrait, he was said to have 'showed an admiration' for the eldest daughter, Mary Ann, shown here playing the harpsichord with two of her sisters. His visits were consequently discouraged, perhaps because he was perceived as an inappropriate suitor.
Gallery label, September 2004
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.
Explore
- leisure and pastimes(7,757)
-
- music and entertainment(2,266)
-
- music(917)
- fine arts and music(3,760)
- actions: postures and motions(9,098)
-
- sitting(3,321)
- girl(1,103)
- Bridges(1)
- Bridges, Mary Ann(2)
- individuals: female(1,658)
You might like
-
John Constable Maria Constable with Two of her Children. Verso: Copy after Teniers
c.1820 -
John Constable The Bridges Family
1804 -
John Constable View towards Stratford St Mary Church
c.1805 -
Joseph Mallord William Turner Phaeton’s Sisters
1805 -
John Constable Sketch of Shipping. Two Large Ships and a Yacht
1803 -
John Constable Shipping in the Thames or Medway
1803 -
John Constable Mrs James Andrew
1818 -
John Constable 9. Two Hills or Mountains, or Rocks Opposite to Each Other
c.1823 -
John Constable Study for ‘Flatford Mill’
c.1816 -
John Constable View over a Valley, Probably Epsom Downs
c.1806 -
Thomas Stothard Seated Nymph and Two Putti
date not known -
John Constable Self-Portrait
1806 -
John Constable Maria Bicknell
c.1805–9 -
John Constable Shipping in the Thames or Medway. Verso: Sketch of Shipping
1803 -
John Constable Sketch of Shipping. Three Large Ships, a Yacht in the Foreground
1803