In a thought-provoking exhibition at Burgh House in Hampstead, the works of John Constable are being re-examined in light of the artist’s 250th birthday. While many associate Constable with idyllic pastoral scenes drenched in sunlight, this showcase reveals a more nuanced and darker side to the celebrated painter. Through delicate mezzotints and a striking oil study, the exhibition invites both admirers and skeptics of Constable to explore the complexities that underlie his art.
A Glimpse into Constable’s World
John Constable’s artistic journey remained firmly anchored to the English landscape. Born in Suffolk in 1776, Constable rarely ventured beyond the shores of his homeland. His solitary excursion to the Kent coast in 1803 marked a significant moment, allowing him a fleeting glimpse of the wider world. “I saw all sorts of weather,” he wrote, capturing the duality of his experience—delight intermingled with melancholy. This encapsulation of the English climate became a central theme in his work, contrasting sharply with his contemporary, J.M.W. Turner, who embraced a more cosmopolitan approach.
For Constable, the familiar landscapes of Suffolk, Hampstead, and Brighton offered ample inspiration. He found beauty in the everyday, often remarking to his wife, Maria, about the promise of a new painting subject at Flatford Mill. This parochial focus, while endearing to some, has drawn criticism from others who perceive a certain detachment in his portrayal of rural life—a perspective of a landowner surveying a bustling scene with an air of genteel superiority.
A New Perspective on Familiar Works
The exhibition at Burgh House presents an olive branch to those who may be less enamoured with Constable’s traditional depictions. Central to the display are three mezzotint prints created in collaboration with printmaker David Lucas. These works, executed with remarkable finesse, allow for a translucent effect that captures the ethereal quality of clouds in a way that feels almost haunting. The piece “Noon,” for instance, emerges as a moody depiction of the countryside, where the shepherd perched on a hill exudes an aura of mystery, enhanced by the ghostly grey tones that Lucas has rendered.
Accompanying these prints is an oil study for the iconic “Hampstead Heath With a Rainbow.” This study, devoid of its cheerful rainbow, offers an unexpected transformation, with its thick impasto technique and blurred colours evoking a sense of abstract expressionism. The outlines of Branch Hill Pond, now dried up, morph into a vibrant splash of blue amongst cascading greens, challenging preconceived notions of Constable’s work.
The Dichotomy of Constable’s Vision
The finished painting, which was recently featured in the Tate’s monumental Turner and Constable exhibition, is visually arresting. In it, the foreground appears tumultuous, as a ridge looms precariously over two donkeys, while a flock of birds weaves through a dramatic sky. The incongruous rainbow serves as a focal point, yet it is the chaotic composition and dynamic interplay of light and shadow that leave a lasting impression.
Constable’s fascination with industrial landscapes is evident, as he often placed windmills in pastoral scenes, even when they did not exist in reality. This tendency adds another layer of complexity to his work, forcing viewers to grapple with the juxtaposition of the natural and the man-made.
The Exhibition Experience
Visitors to Burgh House will find themselves immersed in an exploration of Constable’s artistry that transcends mere admiration. The exhibition runs until 20 September, just a short stroll from Constable’s former home, making it a fitting tribute to the artist’s enduring legacy. For those willing to engage critically with his work, the show offers a refreshing perspective that may challenge the romanticised view often held of the painter.
Why it Matters
This exhibition is significant not just for celebrating Constable’s legacy but for prompting a broader conversation about the nuances in his work. By uncovering the darker, more complex aspects of his artistic vision, it allows audiences to appreciate the depth of his relationship with the English landscape. In a time when art can often feel homogenised, this showcase serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated figures can possess multifaceted identities, inviting us to look beyond the surface and engage with the intricate layers of creativity.
