A remarkable chalk drawing by renowned British landscape artist John Constable is set to make its auction debut after spending nearly two centuries in private ownership. The artwork, titled "A House and Haystack at Flatford," was created in 1827 and depicts Valley Farm in the Suffolk village of Flatford, located near the site of the artist's family mill. The piece will be auctioned by Roseberys on Wednesday with an estimated value between $25,000 and $37,000.

The drawing holds special significance as it was personally inscribed by Constable with "Flatford/13 Oct/1827" in the lower right corner and depicts the warden's house at Valley Farm. The artist originally gifted this work to his second son, Charles Golding Constable, establishing a clear provenance that traces directly back to the artist himself. Following Charles's death in 1878, the drawing was passed to family friend James Henry Beazley, and from there it descended directly to the current owner.

Lara L'vov-Basirov, associate director and head of Old Master, British & European Pictures at Roseberys, described the piece as "wonderfully expressive." She emphasized the drawing's importance, stating, "This wonderfully expressive drawing offers an intimate look at the Suffolk countryside that shaped Constable's aesthetic imagination. With provenance stemming directly from the artist, it's a tangible link to his life and practice."

The subject of the drawing, Valley Farm in Flatford, is a Grade I listed building that dates back to the 15th century, adding historical context to the artwork's significance. This location was particularly meaningful to Constable, as it was situated in the heart of the countryside that would define his artistic career and aesthetic vision.

John Constable, born in East Bergholt in 1776, became one of Britain's most celebrated landscape artists, particularly known for his depictions of the English countryside in the Dedham Vale area spanning Suffolk and Essex. His father owned Flatford Mill, and this family connection to the area deeply influenced his work. Constable's most famous painting, "The Hay Wain," was set close to this very mill, demonstrating the enduring importance of this landscape in his artistic output.

The artist continued to work until his death in London in 1837, leaving behind a legacy of works that captured the natural beauty of rural England. This particular drawing represents a rare opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts to acquire a work that has remained in private hands since its creation, offering an unbroken chain of ownership that connects directly to the artist himself.