New Book Explores John Constable's Art Through the Seasons
On January 29, Susan Owens released her latest publication, 'Constable's Year: An Artist in Changing Seasons' (Thames & Hudson, £25), which provides a novel interpretation of John Constable by intertwining art history, biography, and nature writing. Owens posits that the weather and agricultural cycles of Suffolk significantly influenced Constable's artwork. She explored the locations he depicted and organized her book into four chapters that transition from spring to winter, mirroring his life from 1776 to 1837. Although summer was his favorite season, Owens delves into his autumn and winter pieces and letters (published by the Suffolk Records Society, 1962-1975). She emphasizes his passion for nature, his rural background, and the creation of works like 'The Hay Wain' (1821, National Gallery, London). The book received a review from Anne Lyles.
Key facts
- Book 'Constable's Year' by Susan Owens published January 29 by Thames & Hudson, £25.
- Owens blends art history, biography, and nature writing.
- Book structured in four chapters covering spring to winter, mirroring Constable's life (1776-1837).
- Owens visited Suffolk sites in the seasons Constable painted them.
- Constable's letters published by Suffolk Records Society (1962-1975) are used extensively.
- Constable's rural upbringing as a farmer's son shaped his understanding of agriculture.
- Summer was his preferred season for plein-air work; autumn and winter are also analyzed.
- Examples include 'Stour Valley and Dedham Church' (c.1815, Museum of Fine Arts Boston) and 'The Hay Wain' (1821, National Gallery, London).
- Collaboration with engraver David Lucas on 'English Landscape' series occurred in winter.
- Anne Lyles, Constable expert, reviewed the book.
Entities
Artists
- John Constable
- J.M.W. Turner
- David Lucas
- James Thomson
- William Cowper
- Robert Bloomfield
- Archdeacon John Fisher
- Susan Owens
Institutions
- Yale University Press
- Tate Publishing
- Yale Center for British Art
- Royal Academy of Arts
- Suffolk Records Society
- Museum of Fine Arts Boston
- National Gallery, London
- Thames and Hudson
- The Art Newspaper
- Victoria and Albert Museum
Locations
- Suffolk
- England
- London
- Hampstead
- Weymouth Bay
- Osmington
- Connecticut
- United States