John Constable

by William Vaughan

John Constable (1776-1837) is best known for his idyllic pictures of the English countryside. Yet he was also a brilliant innovator who brought a new vivacity to the observation of nature. He practiced oil painting in the open air with unprecedented dedication, capturing in particular the 'effervescent' effects of atmospherics - as can be seen, for example, in his wonderful studies of clouds. His art became a benchmark for naturalist painters throughout Europe and America in the nineteenth century, playing a part in the development of Impressionism in France.
This book draws extensively on the artist's own correspondence to provide a new understanding of his artistic aims and achievements, and reassesses his role in the development of modern art.

Genres: Art

80 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Carla]

After years of Turner worship, I am having a Constable moment...and this brisk lively book fit the bill. The author's witty style and sympathetic account made reading a pleasure.

[Gemma Fasheun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book made me understand better John Constable's life and the time he lived in. I would recommend it to anyone interested in painter's lives.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was lovely. The first time I'd ever read an "art" book, and I was apprehensive that it would all be over my head, but I really enjoyed it and by the end of it felt I had some grasp of the shape of Constable's career and life.