John Constable, R.A. (East Bergholt 1776-1837 Hampstead)

In October 1827 Constable, by now living in Hampstead, took his two eldest children John Charles and 'Minna' (Maria Louisa), for a fortnight's holiday staying with his brother and sister, Abraham and Mary, at Flatford. Probably to keep an eye on his children Constable drew many of his favourite local subjects. This view is taken from near the boat-building lock, looking downstream towards Flatford Lock.

Fleming-Williams compares it with a drawing (dated 'Octr 5 1827') of A Scene on the River Stour at Flatford (loc. cit., pl. 39); and Reynolds, op. cit., p. 183, no. 27.14, pl. 643) to demonstrate the difference between a drawing done on the spot such as the latter and one done from memory. Other drawings from this holiday done from memory are Reynolds, nos. 27.26 and, perhaps, 27.28, pls. 655 and 657.