Untitled (Sailboats in Landscape) 1812

John Constable created this pencil drawing, Sailboats in Landscape, in England during the early 19th century. Constable is celebrated for his dedication to painting English landscapes, specifically those of his native Suffolk. But, he was also part of the Royal Academy, and he made all his works with the expectations and the demands of the institution in mind. Constable dedicated himself to the careful observation of nature, and this sketch reflects that sensibility, even though it is a quick study. Many scholars see his work as a reaction against the prevailing artistic trends of his time, which favored historical and mythological scenes. Instead, he focused on the everyday and the local. Art historians often consult his sketchbooks, letters, and the records of the Royal Academy to understand his art better. Constable's art reminds us that even seemingly straightforward depictions of nature are shaped by the social and institutional contexts in which they are made.