Stormy Sea, Brighton c. 1828

John Constable likely painted "Stormy Sea, Brighton" during one of his visits to the coastal town in the 1820s, using oil on paper. The work captures the raw, dynamic energy of the sea and sky. The composition is dominated by the turbulent cloudscape, rendered with thick, gestural brushstrokes. The sombre palette, heavy with greys and browns, evokes a sense of foreboding. Constable's focus on capturing transient atmospheric effects places this work within the Romantic tradition, but his commitment to direct observation also aligns with emerging Realist tendencies. The visible brushwork and emphasis on the materiality of paint disrupt the illusion of seamless representation, drawing attention to the act of painting itself. This piece destabilizes conventional landscape painting by prioritizing subjective experience over idealized beauty. The unfinished quality and lack of a clear narrative invite viewers to contemplate the sublime power of nature, and the ephemerality of human existence.