“Old Sarum” is a landscape painting by John Constable, created in 1829. Executed in oil on cardboard, this artwork emulates the Romanticism movement’s characteristic emphasis on emotion and individualism, as well as glorification of the beauty of nature. “Old Sarum” is part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, United Kingdom.
The artwork portrays a sweeping landscape under a dynamic and dramatic sky. The composition captures the sprawling expanse of the terrain with the ancient hilltop site of Old Sarum visible in the distance, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous sky. The sky itself is a striking feature of the painting, with the varying tones of blues, whites, and purples suggesting a sense of movement and atmosphere that is quintessential to the Romantic era. The earth below is rendered with a sense of vitality that suggests the artist’s intimate connection to the scene. The vast open fields in the foreground are dotted with hints of human presence, possibly representing the small figures of people or animals which ground the viewer in the landscape. Overall, Constable’s work embodies the Romantic spirit through its sublime portrayal of natural scenery, infused with deep emotion and a profound appreciation for the untamed aspects of the environment.