Lucas probably began working on this plate before November 1831 (Beckett IV, p. 361), basing it on a version of The Glebe Farm 1830 that was subsequently bequeathed to the Tate Gallery by Constable’s family in 1888. He made at least seven progress proof variations before the published state, of which this is the sixth. During the proofing highlights were added throughout, and small birds included in the sky.

Heysen noted: ‘I am particularly impressed with … “The Glebe Farm”’ (Heysen, 1947?, NLA MS5073/1/2283).