This collection of 42 drawings, never previously published together, gives new insight into Constable"s technical and emotional approach into his work. With the help of copious comparative illustrations and exhaustively detailed research drawn from numerous contemporary sources, the author builds up a portrait of the artist, his background and family life. The luscious quality of Constable"s painting typifies an idealized image of the English countryside in the 18th centruy. Such familiar paintings as Greenham Lock and Flatford Mill were not captured in spontaneous bursts, but were committed to canvas only after numerous working-drawings and oil sketches had been completed. This is the first full-length study of the subject, presenting much hitherto unpublished material and offering a balanced and pertinent assessment of Constable and his work.