Artwork

A river scene with vessel at sunset

A river scene with vessel at sunset, by John Constable, watercolor, 1796
A river scene with vessel at sunset, by John Constable, watercolor, 1796

A river scene with vessel at sunset is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist John Constable. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

A river scene at sunset is depicted in this 1796 watercolour by John Constable, featuring a moored vessel and a serene atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a tranquil river scene with a large vessel in the foreground and trees and buildings along the distant riverbank, evoking a sense of peacefulness.

Technique & Style

Warm hues of orange and yellow dominate the sky, reflected in the calm water, achieved through the artist's use of soft brushstrokes and warm colors.

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.