Important New Information about The Constable Painting

Published 2nd October 2015

A close up of the label with the inscription 'L.B.C. Oct. 8th 1810' visible that greatly increases the authenticity of the painting.

Daniel Goddard, Head of the Pictures Department, has announced that important new information about the Landscape with Horses oil sketch by John Constable RA (1776-1837) has come to light in the last few hours.

A close inspection of the masking tape on the reverse of the top stretcher revealed the edge of an old label. A respected paper conservator has now removed some masking tape to reveal the two lost, or 'missing', labels as mentioned in Graham Reynolds Catalogue Raisonne.

A detail of the second label only just found providing the oil sketch with its name 'Landscape with Horses'. This John Constable painting will be auctioned on 6th October 2015 in Exeter with online bidding available.

These two gems in terms of authentication, are finely inscribed in ink 'L.B.C. Oct. 8th 1810' and 'Landscape with horses'.

We believe these labels were transcribed by Lionel Bicknell Constable from the original labels, or inscriptions, by John Constable, which were on the back of the canvas when it was stretched and lined, circa 1850-1880.

Landscape with Horses by John Constable (1776-1837), oil on canvas, 24cm x 36cm.

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood will be offering this oil sketch by John Constable RA (1776-1837) entitled forest clearing with ponies and donkey in the Picture Auction on 6th October 2015 as part of the Autumn 2015 Fine Sale.

More information about this rare discovery of an important painting with impeccable provenance and specialist authentication can be gleaned by watching Martin Scadgell's video John Constable - Landscape with Horses.