Yarmouth, Norfolk

About this artwork

"Yarmouth, Norfolk" (1832) is a captivating mezzotint print capturing the serene coastal beauty of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk England. Created through a close collaboration between landscape master John Constable and engraver David Lucas, it boats bobbing near piers against a vast seascape, evoking Constable's lifelong fascination with the interplay of sea, sky, and everyday maritime life. This work belongs to their ambitious series *Various Subjects of Landscape Characteristic English Scenery* (1830–1833), which aimed to translate Constable's luminous oil sketches into affordable prints for a wider audience. Mezzotint, a "dark manner" intaglio technique invented in the 17th century, excels at producing velvety blacks and subtle tonal gradations, mimicking the atmospheric effects of Constable's oil paintings. This is the third state of six, an intermediate proof showing refinements in shading and detail before final publication—offering visitors a glimpse into the meticulous printmaking process. Constable supervised Lucas closely, ensuring the prints retained his Romantic emphasis on nature's transient light and mood. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this piece highlights 19th-century innovations in reproductive printmaking, making elite art accessible while preserving Constable's vision of England's romantic landscapes. Pause to admire how the rich tones draw you into the salty breeze of Yarmouth's shore.