A Great Oak Tree

c. 1801

John Constable

Associated Names
John Constable

Artist, British, 1776 - 1837

This is a drawing depicting a ground-level perspective of a tall tree that takes up almost the entire paper. The horizon is low in the background, with an undulating, hilly landscape partially obscured by foliage. The tree's twisting branches and small leaves are intricately detailed with fine linework and textured shading. Detailed grass and small plants are visible near the base of the tree, and the sky behind it is clear. The background is blank, tan paper, and the lines of the drawing are gray.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    black chalk with gray wash on laid paper, laid down

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Paul Mellon

  • Dimensions

    Overall: 54 x 44.4 cm (21 1/4 x 17 1/2 in.)
    mat: 55.9 x 71.1 cm (22 x 28 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1985.9.1

More About this Artwork

Article:  Portraits of Trees, a Favorite Subject of Artists

Many artists have painted, photographed, and drawn nature’s magnificent sculptures.

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1986

  • Gifts to the Nation: Selected Acquisitions from the Collections of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1986, unnumbered checklist, repro.

1987

  • English Drawings and Watercolors, 1630-1850, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1987-1988, no cat.

2006

  • The Artist's Vision: Romantic Traditions in Great Britain, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2006 - 2007

2016

  • In Celebration of Paul Mellon, NGA, 2016.

Bibliography

1997

  • Richler, Martha. National Gallery of Art, Washington: A World of Art. London, 1997: 114-115, fig. 8.

2012

  • Grasselli, Margaret Morgan, and Andrew Robison. Color, Line, Light: French Drawings, Watercolors, and Pastels from Delacroix to Signac. Exh. cat. Musée des impressionnismes Giverny and National Gallery of Art. Washington, 2012: 18, 20, fig. 3 (color).

Wikidata ID

Q64582178

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