A charming pencil sketch from John Constable is to auction at Bonhams, on the back of a long-awaited sale at Christie's.
 This sketch can expect strong results with Constable's current popularity |
On July 3, Christie's will auction The Lock, one of Constable's finest works, which is hoping to reclaim the record for the most valuable British artwork at auction. Christie's sale will also see an incredible series of Constable sketches, which were recently rediscovered, bring a combined £50,000.
Following this, on July 11, Bonhams will auction its own Constable sketch with a pre-sale valuation of £10,000-15,000. Strong results are expected for the sparse work, with collectors whose budgets won't stretch to a masterpiece eager to invest in the artist's current popularity.
Created in 1835, the sparse piece depicts Ham House in Surrey, UK, which Constable was likely visiting in order to pass on news from his brother who managed property for Lady Dysart, owner of the Thames-side mansion.
"The sketch is a wonderfully free flowing depiction of a house which Constable came to know well and which is still, of course, an important part of the Hampstead landscape today," commented Peter Rees, Bonhams' director of 19th century paintings.
The top lot of the sale however, will be provided by an exquisite masterpiece from Walter Frederick Osborne. Considered the most important Irish artist of his generation, Feeding the Chickens is a brilliant example of his work which was created at the height of his career. It is estimated to sell for £500,000-700,000.
We will, of course, be bringing you all the results from both sales in the coming weeks, so be sure to check back with Paul Fraser Collectibles regularly. Until then, take a look at some our excellent entry-level additions to your collection.
