John Constable focused on the natural English landscape that he idolized since childhood. His paintings rebelled against the work of artists of the Neoclassical style who had simply used landscapes to display historical and mythical scenes. Instead, he used his work to showcase the beauty and power of nature itself. As a result, his work is synonymous with the Suffolk landscape and the Romantic Movement he embodied. Although Constable referred to this painting as The Drinking Boy, The official title seems to have been conveyed by those who presented the picture to the National Gallery. Many believe it shows a lane leading from East Bergholt towards Dedham. The distant church in the background could be an invention by the artist.
The Cornfield
oil on canvas • 1.43 m x 1.22 m
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John Constable