44. after John Constable (1776-1837)
engraved by David Lucas (1802-1881)
Mill Stream (River Stour, near Flatford Mill)

(click on image to print)
after Constable, Mill Stream

Mill Stream (River Stour, near Flatford Mill)

Mezzotint, 1831, from English Landscape Scenery, 177 x 219 mm., Wedmore 12, Shirley 25. A good impression from a published edition on chine-appliqué with full margins. The relationship between Constable and Lucas was one of collaboration rather than copying, but it was the collaboration of master and student. Constable, while always friendly to the younger man, was exacting in his desire for perfection and merciless in his criticism and Lucas, occasionally bristling, went back to the plates and worked harder to please. But Constable himself spoke of “the lovely amalgamation of our works,” no small acknowledgement of Lucas’ ultimate success. Mill Stream is based on a painting of ca. 1814.