Artwork

Trees and a stretch of water on the Stour

Trees and a stretch of water on the Stour, by John Constable, 1832
Trees and a stretch of water on the Stour, by John Constable, 1832

Trees and a stretch of water on the Stour is a drawing by the Romanticist artist John Constable. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

His usual habit was sketching outdoors, but this one looks like it was done back in his studio.

John Constable made this drawing around 1832–36. It shows trees and water on the Stour River under a stormy sky. His usual habit was sketching outdoors, but this one looks like it was done back in his studio.

Maria, his wife, died in 1828. After that loss, his drawings grew darker and more restless. This piece feels raw, almost wild, even though he never planned to show it.

Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

Trees and a stretch of water on the Stour is a drawing by John Constable, created circa 1832–36. It depicts a scene on the River Stour under a turbulent sky.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a landscape with trees and water, rendered in a loose and expressive manner. The stormy atmosphere may reflect Constable's emotional state following the death of his wife, Maria, in 1828.

Technique & Style

Unlike many of Constable's works, which were sketched outdoors, this drawing appears to have been produced in a studio setting. Its expressive and almost abstract style suggests that it was not intended for public exhibition.

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.