John Constable
John Constable
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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John Constable was born on June 11, 1776, in East Bergholt, Suffolk, England. He is often referred to as "Constable" by art historians and enthusiasts.
Birth and Death Dates
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June 11, 1776 – March 31, 1837
Nationality and Profession(s)
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English painter, primarily associated with the Romantic movement in British art.
Early Life and Background
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Constable was born into a family of modest means. His father, Golding Constable, was a wealthy corn merchant who supported his son's early artistic endeavors. John showed an affinity for drawing from an early age, often sketching the Suffolk countryside. After completing his education at Thomas Malton's academy in London, Constable returned to East Bergholt and continued to develop his skills.
Major Accomplishments
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Constable's work revolutionized British landscape painting by introducing a more naturalistic and emotive style. He is best known for his paintings of the English countryside, particularly the skies and light effects. His most famous works include:
The Hay Wain (1821): A depiction of a rural scene with a hay wagon and a river in the background.
Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows (1831): A painting showcasing the cathedral's majestic architecture against a serene landscape.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his paintings, Constable was an avid writer. He kept journals that provide valuable insights into his artistic process and personal life. His letters to fellow artists and critics offer a unique perspective on the art world of 19th-century England.
Impact and Legacy
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Constable's innovative style and emphasis on natural light influenced generations of landscape painters, including J.M.W. Turner and Claude Monet. His work continues to be celebrated for its beauty, emotion, and historical significance.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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John Constable is widely quoted and remembered for his contributions to British art and his role in shaping the Romantic movement. His emphasis on naturalism and emotional expression has made him a beloved figure among art enthusiasts and historians alike.
Quotes by John Constable
All my indispositions have their source in my mind. It is when I am restless and unhappy that I become susceptible of cold, damp, heats, and such nonsense.
My art flatters nobody by imitation; it courts nobody by smoothness, tickles nobody by petiteness... there is no finish in nature.
I know dock leaves pretty well, but I should not attempt to introduce them into a picture without having them before me.
Whatever may be thought of my art, it is my own; and I would rather possess a freehold, though but a cottage, than live in a palace belonging to another.
Nature is the fountain's head, the source from whence all originality must spring.
Painting is a science, and should be pursued as an inquiry into the laws of nature.
The sound of water escaping from mill dams, etc., willows, old rotten planks, slimy posts, and brickwork, I love such things.
