Trees in West End Fields, Hampstead

1828–1837

A widower with seven children

For the rest of his life Constable dressed in black and brought up his seven children alone; according to Leslie he was “a prey to melancholy and anxious thoughts”. Several of the children also painted, notably Lionel.

1831

Appointed Visitor of the Royal Academy

In 1831 Constable was appointed a Visitor at the Royal Academy, where he was popular with the students. He then began giving public lectures on the history of landscape painting, which drew distinguished audiences.

1835

A last lecture to the Academy’s students

In 1835 Constable gave his last lecture to the students of the Royal Academy, praising Raphael and calling the Academy the “cradle of British art”; it was cheered most heartily.