This is a new biography by the established art historian and biographer James Hamilton, published in 2022. The 472 pages include a “Cast of Characters”, notes and index. The book is prefaced by its contents page, list of illustrations and maps.
Hamilton’s first few chapters concentrate on Constable’s family background and relations, in some detail. This proves to be important as the books’ emphasis is on Constable the person, rather than the painter. Also the world in which the family lived operated on patronage and personal contacts, especially for corn millers, on the edge of the “genteel” world. The characters of Constable’s parents, Golding and Ann emerge, as well as those of his siblings.
Constable was expected to eventually take Golding’s place in the family business. However, his rising ability in and commitment to art eventually took him to the Royal Academy Schools, propelled by determination and self-belief, rather than pre-determination. Over the years he created a space for himself as an opponent of the influential historicist painting, producing, deliberately, large landscapes, driven by his passionate observation of nature.
Elements of his personality were turbulent, in contrast to the calm of the pictures, especially in voicing a strong opinion. This was balanced by many friendships and a loving family life with Maria and their seven children, which were in turn challenged by health and money problems. Hamilton shows the brio and risk-taking needed to live in the early nineteenth century, especially in London; he is good on detail and by quoting Constable’s correspondence, shows what an accomplished writer he also was, a voice and personality can still be heard.
Hamilton presents the sometimes contradictory aspects of his subject, but is not judgmental, writing a good story of a life which followed an often rocky road. In future I will look at “The Hay Wain”, in a new light!
J.M.W. Turner the man seems known to us, the life revealed in this book shows that his contemporary, rival and occasional friend John Constable, had his own personality in full measure.
Mark's Reviews 