Tate Britain has launched its first major exhibition dedicated to exploring the intertwined lives and lasting influences of Britain’s most celebrated landscape painters: JMW Turner (1775–1851) and John Constable (1776–1837). Despite their contrasting personalities and divergent artistic approaches, both artists defied the prevailing artistic conventions of their era, pioneering innovative ways of depicting the natural world, innovations that continue to resonate in contemporary art. They were both, in their way, arguably responsible for impressionism, which came later.
Coinciding with the 250th anniversaries of their births, the exhibition offers a compelling chronological narrative of their careers, showcasing how they were simultaneously celebrated, criticised, and often pitted against each other. This dynamic interplay spurred both painters to reach new heights of creativity, resulting in a rich tapestry of artistic exploration that still influences landscape art today.
The exhibit features over 170 works, including key paintings and drawings, such as Turner’s monumental 1835 masterpiece The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, a rarely exhibited loan from the Cleveland Museum of Art, which has not been seen in Britain for more than a century, and Constable’s acclaimed The White Horse (1819), one of his most significant works, which last appeared in London two decades ago.
The exhibition concludes with a thought-provoking new film featuring renowned contemporary artists, Frank Bowling, Bridget Riley, George Shaw, and Emma Stibbon, who reflect on the profound and ongoing legacy of Turner and Constable. Their insights serve as a testament to how these masters shaped not only the landscape genre but also the broader scope of artistic innovation.
This landmark presentation at Tate Britain offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the complex relationship between two giants of British art, witnessing their struggles, triumphs, and the enduring influence that continues to inspire generations of artists.
Turner and Constable: Rivals and Originals is on at Tate Britain from 27 November. Picture courtesy Tate Britain.
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