Landscape
Description
John Constable (1776–1837) was one of the finest English landscape painters of the 19th century in the Romantic tradition. He was born in 1776 to a wealthy mill owner in Suffolk, and against his family’s wishes, he was admitted to the Royal Academy in 1800. Throughout his life, he focused on painting the landscapes surrounding his home in East Bergholt. His renowned works include Wivenhoe Park, Dedham Vale, and The Hay Wain.
Constable had a rebellious approach to his art. He had a deep appreciation of the interplay of light and the ever-changing patterns of clouds. Rather than conforming to expected idealisations, he aimed for accurate representations of nature. He drew inspiration from the work of Thomas Gainsborough (1772–1788), another Suffolk resident, whom he greatly admired.
Constable’s dedication to capturing the essence of the natural world had a profound impact on the development of landscape painting. His attention to detail, and his ability to convey the effects of light and atmosphere, set him apart as an exceptional artist. His works captured the romantic beauty of the English countryside, resonating with viewers and inspiring future generations of artists.
Sir D. J. Tata Collection.
Collection
European Paintings
Artist
John Constable (1776-1837)
Object Type
Oil Painting
Material
Oil on canvas
Schools/Culture/Period
British
Technique
Oil Painting
Date
19th Century CE
Location
London
Dimension
28.9 x 31.6 cm