View of Gardens at Hampstead, with an Elder Tree

56: View of Gardens at Hampstead, with an Elder Tree

John Constable
East Bergholt 1776 - 1837 London

2019-S.58: Fondation Custodia
Rights held by: Fondation Custodia, Collection Frits Lugt, Paris

Constable was inspired by his native landscape, particularly the Suffolk countryside in eastern England, where he was born and lived. He initially took up painting as an amateur until he entered the Royal Academy Schools in London in 1799. He first exhibited there in 1802. Constable is known for his technically experimental approach to depicting nature. His oil sketches, despite their apparent spontaneity, were the result of careful study and reflection.

Text written and researched by Amy Marquis Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge.

Oil on cardboard
17.6 × 14 cm

Created: Circa 1821 - 1822