Who painted Cattle near the edge of the wood?

Cattle near the edge of the wood was painted by John Constable in 1802.

Where can I see Cattle near the edge of the wood?

Cattle near the edge of the wood is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Cattle near the edge of the wood?

Cattle near the edge of the wood is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Cattle near the edge of the wood?

Museum-quality prints of Cattle near the edge of the wood are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Cattle near the edge of the wood

John Constable , 1802

Cattle near the edge of the wood is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist John Constable. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1802 watercolour painting by John Constable features a serene landscape with cattle at the edge of a wooded hillside, characterized by earthy tones and expressive brushwork.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a tranquil moment with cows in a natural setting, reflecting Constable's early focus on landscape. The composition's emphasis on the interplay between light, trees, and animals conveys a sense of peaceful coexistence.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the work showcases Constable's use of thick, rough brushstrokes for the trees, creating a sense of wildness, while softer, blurred forms depict the cows, emphasizing their quiet presence.

History & Provenance

Created in 1802, this painting predates Constable's 1805 Royal Academy exhibition piece *A Landscape: Moonlight*, and the same year's documented visit to Farington, where he received a commission for an altarpiece, unrelated to this work.

Context

This piece aligns with early 19th-century Romanticism's emphasis on nature's emotional resonance, though its subdued tone suggests a more restrained expression of the movement's themes.