CONSTABLE, John, (1776-1837), an eminent English landscape painter, was born near Woodbridge, Suffolk, where his father was a miller. By his parents he was destined for the church, but being averse to study, he was apprenticed to his father's trade. His passion for painting, however, led him quickly to abandon this employment; and in 1799 he
Constance, was admitted a student at the Royal Academy, London. He first appeared as an exhibitor in 1802; and in 1829 he was elected an academician.
Like all painters who have attained eminence in their art, Constable delighted in the contemplation of nature; and in his compositions he laboured to give a faithful transcript of its simplicity and beauty. Before sketching from nature, he used to remark, he first tried to forget that he had ever seen a picture. His picture of the Corn Field, in the National Gallery, is a good specimen of his style and abilities.