Constable

In 1819 English artist John Constable (1776–1837) produced The White Horse, the first in a series of six large-scale canvases featuring the River Stour. His decision to create works that by their very size attracted attention when exhibited, but also reflected a more classical style, marked a turning point in Constable’s career. This book concentrates on these remarkable works.

This beautifully illustrated book, featuring newly-commissioned essays by leading experts, accompanies a major touring exhibition that brings these masterpieces together for the first time. By showing each work beside its fullscale compositional sketch, it allows a new understanding and appreciation of Constable’s artistic process. These time-consuming sketches were an innovative tool used by Constable primarily to aid his move from working outdoors to the studio, and became his practice until the end of his career.