1826-1837
In 1826 Constable issued an interesting circular relating to the prices of his pictures. It runs as follows:—
| Of the size of 1 ft. 6 in. | 20 guineas |
| From 1 ft. to 2 ft. | 40 guineas„ |
| From„ 2 ft. to 2 ft. 6 in. | 50 guineas„ |
| From„ 2 ft. 6 in. to 3 ft. | 60 guineas„ |
| Half-length size, namely—4 ft. 2 in. × 3 ft. 4 in. | 120 guineas„ |
| In larger sizes the price will be regulated by circumstances depending on time and subject. | |
| 35 Charlotte Street, 1826. | |
Though these prices may seem low compared with the sums asked by successful men at the present day, it should be remembered that the smaller pictures were often little more than sketches which did not represent any large amount of labour or elaborate composition. The purchasing power of money, too, was greater in Constable's time, while the social aspirations (and, in consequence, the expenses) of an Associate of the Academy were then far more modest.
His principal work at the Academy of 1826 was the well-known Cornfield, one of his most powerful and vigorous works, the group of massive elm trees on the left being especially fine. The study for the donkey browsing in the hedge may be seen at Kensington. The Cornfield was again exhibited in the following year at the British Institution, together with The Glebe Farm, a popular work, but hardly successful in colour, and more spotty in general appearance than Constable's work had hitherto been. In the Academy of 1827 his chief picture was the large Marine Parade and Chain Pier, Brighton. The smaller works present a remarkable contrast.
21
