Artwork

View over hilly country, with a stormy sky

View over hilly country, with a stormy sky, by John Constable, watercolor, 1830
View over hilly country, with a stormy sky, by John Constable, watercolor, 1830

View over hilly country, with a stormy sky is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist John Constable. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour painting, titled 'View over hilly country, with a stormy sky', is a landscape work by John Constable, created in the late period of his career.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a hilly landscape under a turbulent sky, with the atmospheric conditions taking centre stage. The scene conveys a sense of energy and tension, reflecting Constable's interest in capturing the fleeting effects of weather.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the work showcases Constable's skill in using the medium to convey a soft, ethereal quality, while still capturing the drama of the stormy sky.

History & Provenance

The painting dates to around 1836, a time when Constable was continuing to develop his landscape painting style, shortly before his death in 1837.

Context

This work is characteristic of Constable's focus on landscape and atmospheric study, and can be associated with the broader artistic movement of Romanticism, which emphasized the emotional and expressive qualities of natural scenery.

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.