“Old Sarum” is a landscape watercolor created by the English artist John Constable in the year 1834. As part of the Romanticism art movement, this artwork is comprised of watercolor on paper and measures 30 x 48.7 cm. Through its dimensions and medium, Constable presents a picturesque and emotive portrayal of the English countryside.
The artwork illustrates an expansive view of the ancient hill fort of Old Sarum, located near Salisbury in England. The composition is dominated by vast, open skies that convey a sense of the sublime—a key theme within the Romanticism movement. These skies are filled with dynamic and brooding clouds that mirror the emotional intensity which Romantic artists often sought to capture.
In the foreground, the scene is animated by the figures of a person and a dog, adding a human dimension to the natural landscape. They appear to traverse a rugged path, leading the viewer’s eye towards the distant hilltop. The hill itself—the site of Old Sarum—rises gently from the surrounding plains, its plateau punctuated by remnants of historical significance. Below the hill, patterns of vegetation and scattered trees add texture to the landscape, while the subdued color palette further enhances the moody and atmospheric quality of the piece.
Constable’s technical proficiency with watercolor is evident in his adept manipulation of light and shadows, bringing depth and realism to the scene, despite the otherwise ethereal qualities of the medium. By doing so, he captures not only the visual splendor of the subject but also its temporal and emotional resonance. Overall, “Old Sarum” is a testament to Constable’s enduring fascination with the landscapes of his homeland and his commitment to expressing the profound connection between nature and human sentiment.