Discover Constable & The Hay Wain

As part of the 'Discover' series, this catalogue explores Constable's most famous painting and its social, political and artistic significance. It begins with an introduction to depictions of rural England by the artist's predecessors and contemporaries in the British art world, before examining how the English landscape was changing physically and politically at the turn of the nineteenth century. Having set the context, the publication considers Constable's life and career prior to producing The Hay Wain, going on to look closely at the making of the painting itself, the artist's practice and materials, and the work's exhibition in Britain. Two further chapters focus on Constable on the international stage in his lifetime and beyond, and the afterlife of The Hay Wain.

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE

17 October 2024–2 February 2025, The National Gallery, London

Authors: Christine Riding, Mary McMahon, Jenny Gaschke, Anne Lyles, Emma Roodhouse

Format: Paperback

Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 9781857097214

Publication date: 20250228