Salisbury Cathedral from Lower Marsh Close by Constable, John (RA)

Constable, John (RA) · 1820

John Constable's "Salisbury Cathedral from Lower Marsh Close," painted in 1820 and now at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., perfectly captures his obsession with light and the transient beauty of nature. He sought to revolutionize landscape painting by observing his subjects directly.

Notice the dramatic sky, painted to reflect changing weather. Then observe the sunlight illuminating Salisbury Cathedral's spire, a testament to his skill in rendering light. Finally, examine the foliage of the large tree on the left, where layered brushstrokes create the illusion of wind rustling through the leaves.

Constable often visited Salisbury, influenced by his patrons, the Bishop of Salisbury and his nephew John Fisher. This close connection allowed him repeated access, inspiring several paintings of the cathedral. Despite his profound impact on landscape art, Constable was not financially successful in his lifetime.

He believed that "painting is but another word for feeling." What feelings does this detailed landscape evoke in you?

Details

He worked quickly to record changing weather in paint.

Now look at the texture of the leaves in the foreground tree.

He layered paint to mimic wind rustling through the foliage.

The dominant architectural feature, its height and detail suggest aspiration and permanence.

Transcript

This painter was obsessed with capturing light and atmosphere. He worked quickly to record changing weather in paint. Notice the sunlight hitting the cathedral's stone spire. Now look at the texture of the leaves in the foreground tree. He layered paint to mimic wind rustling through the foliage.