Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows
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Salisbury Cathedral
from the Meadows was painted by John Constable
in 1831, one year after his wife’s death. He later added nine lines from “The Seasons” by 18th Century poet James Thomson that reveal the painting's meaning: That the rainbow is a symbol of hope after a storm that follows on the death of the young Amelia in the arms of her lover Celadon.
This painting was a personal statement of his turbulent emotions and his changing states of mind. Possible political meanings have been attributed to it, one of which being the clash of industrialization and nature represented through the clash of elements.
Some symbolism in this painting includes:
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an Anglican cathedral in Salisbury, England, considered one of the leading examples of Early English architecture....
from the Meadows was painted by John Constable
John Constable
John Constable was an English Romantic painter. Born in Suffolk, he is known principally for his landscape paintings of Dedham Vale, the area surrounding his home—now known as "Constable Country"—which he invested with an intensity of affection...
in 1831, one year after his wife’s death. He later added nine lines from “The Seasons” by 18th Century poet James Thomson that reveal the painting's meaning: That the rainbow is a symbol of hope after a storm that follows on the death of the young Amelia in the arms of her lover Celadon.
This painting was a personal statement of his turbulent emotions and his changing states of mind. Possible political meanings have been attributed to it, one of which being the clash of industrialization and nature represented through the clash of elements.
Some symbolism in this painting includes:
- Grave marker: symbol of death
- Ash tree: symbol of life
- Church: symbol of faith and resurrection
- Rainbow: symbol of renewed optimism