The view of Salisbury Cathedral from the river, with the house of the Archdeacon Fischer 1820

John Constable painted this view of Salisbury Cathedral with oil on canvas. While these are traditional materials for painting, Constable had an innovative approach. He applied paint in thick, expressive strokes, using brushes and palette knives to create a sense of texture and movement. Constable’s technique was seen as radical, almost unfinished, at a time when smooth, blended brushwork was the norm. The social context is important here. Constable’s landscapes were not simply idealized scenes of nature. They reflected the changing English countryside, shaped by agriculture and industry, and an emerging sense of national identity. The cathedral, a symbol of tradition, stands amidst a landscape alive with natural processes and everyday life. Ultimately, the painting challenges the hierarchy between fine art and craft, suggesting that skill and concept can be united to create meaningful art.