Two Studies of Dedham Church from the East 1806 - 1808

John Constable made these two studies of Dedham Church with graphite on paper. Constable was a master of capturing light and atmosphere, and here we can see his sensitivity with a common material: the humble pencil. Pencils, like the landscapes they depict, are also deeply connected to industry. The graphite would have come from mines, reflecting a global trade. This marks a shift from the use of charcoal, towards mass manufacture and distribution. The artist’s hand is very evident, the tonal range achieved by layers of delicate strokes and subtle gradations. Notice the contrast between the detailed rendering of the trees and the rapid marks used to suggest the open fields. The artist wasn't afraid of leaving areas of the paper untouched. Although seemingly effortless, such skill comes from many hours of practice. Constable’s drawing is an insight into the labor required to master traditional techniques, even with such modest materials. It reminds us that seemingly simple tools can produce profound artistic expression.