Constable: A Country Rebel
Alastair Sooke discovers how John Constable, whose work often depicts such a familiar image of rural Britain, was painting in a way that was considered groundbreaking at the time.
The Haywain by John Constable is such a comfortingly familiar image of rural Britain that it is difficult to believe it was ever regarded as a revolutionary painting, but in this film, made in conjunction with a landmark exhibition at the V&A, Alastair Sooke discovers that Constable was painting in a way that was completely new and groundbreaking at the time.
Through experimentation and innovation he managed to make a sublime art from humble things and, though he struggled in his own country during his lifetime, his genius was surprisingly widely admired in France.
Last on
![]()
Your Paintings: John Constable
Explore the artist's work in the National Collection and find out where you can see them
Clips
![]()
Was Constable a revolutionary painter?
Duration: 01:49
![]()
How Constable seeked to understand the skies
Duration: 02:45
![]()
Preview - Constable: A Country Rebel
Duration: 01:05
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Alastair Sooke |
| Producer | Spike Geilinger |
| Director | Spike Geilinger |
| Executive Producer | Harry Bell |
Broadcasts
Featured in...
![]()
Painters and their Masterpieces
Documentaries exploring the lives and works of great painters and artists.
![]()
Art on BBC Four
The stories behind iconic works of art.
BBC Arts
The best of British art and culture at your fingertips
