Artwork

A village seen over a ploughed field

A village seen over a ploughed field, by John Constable, watercolor, 1834
A village seen over a ploughed field, by John Constable, watercolor, 1834

A village seen over a ploughed field is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist John Constable. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

A village seen over a ploughed field is a watercolour painting by John Constable, created in 1834. The work showcases the artist's skill in capturing the natural world.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a rural scene, with a village in the distance visible over a ploughed field. The composition includes trees in the foreground and a church steeple among the village buildings, evoking a sense of tranquility and everyday life.

Technique & Style

Constable's use of watercolour captures the play of light on the field, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through the contrast of shadows and highlights. The blue sky with white clouds adds to the serene ambiance of the scene.

History & Provenance

The painting was created during a period when Constable was actively exhibiting at the Royal Academy and traveling for both lectures and personal visits, indicating its place within his broader artistic and professional activities.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Constable

Artist

John Constable

John Constable (; 11 June 1776 – 31 March 1837) was an English landscape painter in the Romantic tradition.