Artwork
Study of cows at Hampstead
Study of cows at Hampstead 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
This 1834 watercolour by John Constable is a study of cows in a grassy field, showcasing the artist's observational skills and emphasis on capturing light and atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts four cows resting in a field, with varying postures and a serene environment, suggesting a focus on everyday rural life and the natural world.
Technique & Style
Executed in soft colours, the watercolour conveys a sense of spontaneity, with an emphasis on simple forms and the play of light, rather than detailed representation.
History & Provenance
The study was part of Constable's submissions to the Royal Academy in 1834, alongside other landscape drawings, indicating its role in his broader artistic practice and engagement with the art establishment.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Constable (; 11 June 1776 – 31 March 1837) was an English landscape painter in the Romantic tradition.
