The Hay Wain

"The Hay Wain," painted by John Constable in 1821, depicts a rural scene on the River Stour between the counties of Suffolk and Essex, featuring a wooden cart (wain) in the water, with Willy Lott's Cottage visible on the left. This work is celebrated for its naturalistic portrayal of the English countryside and its innovative use of light and atmosphere, contributing significantly to the Romantic movement in landscape painting.

"The Hay Wain" by John Constable, measuring 130 cm by 185 cm, depicts a rural scene with a wooden cart, or wain, traversing a shallow river, set against a backdrop of lush, verdant countryside under a dynamic sky filled with billowing clouds. The composition is characterized by its meticulous attention to naturalistic detail, capturing the interplay of light and shadow across the landscape, and exemplifies Constable's dedication to portraying the English countryside with a sense of immediacy and atmospheric depth.