John Constable RA (1776-1837)

John Constable RA (1776-1837)
Letter to William Hookham Carpenter (1792-1866)
Brown ink on paper, with traces of black seal
Concerning the return of an upright landscape to the artist and in its place sending an unfinished painting of a mill near Gillingham, Dorset for inspection by William Carpenter and his father James Carpenter. The letter also mentions the potential purchase of the volumes of Shakespeare.
'Agreeable to your Father's request I send my man for the upright landscape and take the opportunity of sending the picture of the mill - which may amuse you both for 5 minutes - the spot is in Fisher's parish Gillingham Dorset....You see my little picture to a disadvantage as - the day is dark and I have by no means done my last to it - I do not say my "best" - as it is a word too much in use - and at least implies something good. The Number of the Volumes of Shakespeare frighten me...'
14.3 x 22.8cm; 5½ x 9in
Unframed

Provenance:
John Marshall;
And by descent to the present private collector, Wiltshire

William Carpenter was a British antiquary, and Keeper of Prints at the British Museum. His father James was a bookseller on Old Street, and both men were collectors of Constable's work.