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Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows - John Constable - Canvas Oil Painting suits both traditional and modern interiors. As a wildlife oil painting, it works as a standalone focal point or as part of a living room gallery wall, and unlike a print it is genuinely hand painted in oils.
Oil on canvas
28 x 35 1/2 in.
In this dramatic painting, Constable depicts Salisbury Cathedral from the meadows amidst a lightning storm. A fisherman in the foreground looks forward nervously and intently towards the building and at the impending rain. Highlighted and lit momentarily from a flash of lightning, the solid structure of the Cathedral appears reassuringly imperious and unaffected in a scene which is composed specifically to emphasise the drama of a storm. The trees on the left are blown fiercely to one side, the sky is composed of confidently painted harassed and impetuous clouds, the fishermen have stopped fishing and those across the water appear to be seeking shelter in their boat amidst the reeds, birds are thrown on the wind and wheel above the trees to the right whilst cows lie down or shelter at the waters edge as they brace themselves for the downpour of rain which approaches.
For Constable the art of recording a landscape in paint was a form of expressing his emotions. As the often quoted lines confirm; 'it will be difficult to name a class of Landscape, in which the sky is not the "key note", the standard of "Scale" and the chief "Organ of Sentiment."1 When appreciated in this context, this recently re-discovered view of Salisbury Cathedral in a storm, offers a revealing insight into the inner (emotional) turmoil and personal anguish which we know from his correspondence that this most complex artist was experiencing and attempting to come to terms with towards the latter part of his life. Analysis of this painting and the thoughts and research of Graham Reynolds and Sarah Cove, amongst others, places it within the following context.
In 1829 seeking consolation and comfort following the recent death of his beloved wife Maria, Constable visited his closest friend, patron and loyal correspondent John Fisher, Bishop of Salisbury Cathedral. Such was Fisher's understanding and empathy towards Constable that he encouraged him to focus his mind on the subject of Salisbury writing that "I am quite sure that the 'Church under a Cloud' is the best subject you can take. It will be an amazing advantage to go everyday and look afresh at your material drawing from nature herself.'2 The observation and study of nature was to provide the soothing consolation and diversion for his troubled mind. Unlike the landscape around the Stour valley where Constable and Maria had courted and spent their childhood (which was presumably too poignant at this time), the familiar sight of Salisbury Cathedral and the affectionate memories which Constable would have held following his earlier visits in 1816 and the 1820s and through his close relationship with Fisher explain the acceptance of this recommendation. Constable scholars also point to the importance of the recent developments within the Christian Church at this date centred around the Reform Bill. The traditions of the Church and it's place within society at this time were under threat and Constable's correspondence with Fisher highlight his deep worry, anger and concern. It has often been suggested that Constable used Salisbury Cathedral as a metaphor for the representation of the Church in general at this date and therefore the meterological effects under which it is presented are of great significance.
Collectors often choose this wildlife image when searching for wildlife oil painting that feels substantial rather than decorative or disposable.
We use a 100% hand-painted process: stretched artist-grade canvas, layered oil pigment, and a final protective varnish. There are no inkjet prints or mechanical reproductions in this collection — just a painted wildlife artwork made to order.
Build a living room gallery wall around this wildlife oil painting, or let it stand alone as a single statement. The hand painted canvas finish keeps the wildlife composition looking intentional in both classic and contemporary rooms.
Browse our John Constable Paintings selection for related wildlife canvases, or commission this wildlife image in a custom size. Every order is a hand painted oil painting, never a printed poster.
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 20 X 24 in | $68.48 |
| 24 X 36 in | $106.48 |
| 30 X 40 in | $146.98 |
| 36 X 48 in | $195.48 |
| 48 X 72 in | $379.98 |
The sizes shown are the reproduction canvas sizes we paint to order. The dimensions given in a work's description refer to the original artwork and will differ from the sizes offered here. Not sure? Read the size guide or e-mail us.
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Every canvas is painted by hand in oils on artist-grade stretched canvas, with an extra blank border left for framing. How to care for your painting.
Measurements are on the size guide, or e-mail [email protected] and we reply within one business day.
