Weymouth Bay with Jordan Hill (1816) by John Constable

Weymouth Bay with Jordan Hill - John Constable - 1816

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Artwork Information

TitleWeymouth Bay with Jordan Hill
ArtistJohn Constable
Date1816
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions53.3 x 74.9 cm
Art MovementRomanticism
Current LocationNational Gallery, London, UK

About Weymouth Bay with Jordan Hill

“Weymouth Bay with Jordan Hill” is a notable landscape painting by the esteemed artist John Constable, created in 1816. This artwork is an exquisite exemplar of the Romanticism art movement, executed in oil on canvas. The piece measures 53.3 by 74.9 centimeters and can be appreciated in person at the National Gallery in London, UK. The genre of the painting is firmly rooted in landscape, capturing the natural beauty and grandeur indicative of Constable’s oeuvre.

The artwork itself portrays a sweeping view of Weymouth Bay, located on the southern coast of England. At first glance, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the dramatic sky, filled with billowing clouds that seem to convey the transient nature of light and atmosphere—characteristics Constable skilfully immortalized in his work. The clouds envelop the sky in varying shades of grey and white, suggesting an interplay of light and shadow indicative of changing weather conditions.

Beneath the expansive sky, we observe a serene expanse of sea that reflects the sky’s drama and showcases Constable’s adept handling of color to capture the water’s movement. The shoreline bends gently inwards, leading the viewer’s gaze towards the distant hill named Jordan Hill, which anchors the composition in the background. Its presence adds depth and contributes to the vastness of the scene.

To the right, the rugged cliffs provide a contrast in form and texture to the rest of the landscape. They rise sharply, adding a sense of ruggedness and permanence that counterbalances the otherwise fleeting and fluid elements of the composition. The shore in the foreground is detailed with rocks and pebbles, depicted with earthy tones and thoughtful brushwork that enhances the artwork’s realism.

Overall, “Weymouth Bay with Jordan Hill” captures the majestic and unpredictable English coastal scenery, and is a testament to John Constable’s reputation as a master of landscape painting, deeply invested in rendering the emotive power of nature.

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