The Hay Wain

Constable's tranquil scene of a farm cart crossing a millpond in the English countryside is a hymn to ordinary rural life. Its fresh, dappled handling of light and clouds startled French painters when it was shown in Paris. It is the best-loved British landscape.

The Hay Wain

John Constable

  • Date1821
  • MovementRomanticism
  • WhereNational Gallery, London
  • RegionBritain