John Constable: The radical landscape of The Hay Wain | National Gallery

Watch Colin Wiggins give an in-depth talk on John Constable's 'The Hay Wain', one of the best known paintings in the history of British art. Find out how radical Constable's approach was at the time of creating this extraordinary work, and how he would go on to influence the course of modern art, from Delacroix's painting technique, to the landscapes of the Impressionists, like Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro.
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The National Gallery houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The museum is free of charge and open 361 days per year, daily between 10.00 am - 6.00 pm and on Fridays between 10.00 am - 9.00 pm.
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[@natalieeddy0274]

This is a man who loves and appreciates art. Speaking without pause, no notes, no umms, just speaking about what he loves. Could listen for hours.

[@helgasaintpierre9809]

It is indeed a talent to be able to speak with such fluidity and expression. I would surmise that he is a teacher/professor.

[@SuperGrimupnorth]

So True 💯

[@cafemochavibe]

"Ums" are just a technical speaking habit that can be overcome. It has nothing to do with expertise and being passionate for art. Even the most well spoken people say "um" at times in public speaking.

[@thejcquartet6943]

He says 'umm' at 3:07. A quality 'umm' though.

[@MrPoetSpeak]

I cannot remember in recent years ever enjoying a lecture more. Few people know how to combine wit and intellect, -- with an undercurrent of humor -- as Colin Wiggins does. Thank you for this wonderful presentation. I am sure I will revisit this talk.

[@AAA-er7qm]

More videos with this man! He's great. Fantastic speaker.

[@pistolannie6500]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE!! He's tells history w/ a sense of humor.

[@xajh4jy234]

How to find more videos by Collins? He is amazing！

[@marietrushina]

Now, this is the type of stand-up I can really appreciate 😂 The combination of intellect, wit and hilarious sense of humor makes this lecture just perfect (as well as one on Van Gogh).

[@snowartmom]

I’m from the USA. I remember learning about it in art history class in university. It was a big lecture, all about this painting. I did not understand what the big deal was about this painting. It was just something projected on a screen, or the three inch picture, printed on my textbook. Then, years later, I visited The National Gallery. It was right there. Then, seeing it in real life, I understood! It’s wonderful!

[@MossyMozart]

@Vickie Snow - I had the same experience with "Guernica" at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. In my college art history course, it was only measured a few inches in the textbook and looked like a cartoon. But when I got off the museum elevator and turned left - it gobsmacked me right in the face! It is enormous (11-1/2 ft × 25-1/2 ft) and is so very moving that I cried from the agony it portrayed. ---------- Another time, while at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) in NYC, by the time I got to the European paintings, I was exhausted and faced a long galley line of them. "Yeah" , "Yeah", "Yeah" , "Yeah"... until I got to the portrait of "Juan de Pareja" by Diego Velasquez and stopped in my tracks. It is breathtaking portrait. The man is looking right at you, engaging with eyes that sparkle, caught mid-blink. His skin looks warm to the touch. He is practically breathing. The intricate lace on his collar is rendered economically with some dashes of paint. He looks like somebody I would like to have dinner with. The next time I visited, it was in a room set apart along with other Spanish masters, mounted in the center of a wall with color keyed off the background of the portrait and the only benches were set in front of that painting. I was not the only one to have been swept away by this masterpiece above masterpieces! ------------ The moral of the story is that photographic images of artworks are never enough. Those teensy textbook images are only a tiny small taste of the real thing. Whenever possible, go see art for yourself with your own eyes and breathe it in.

[@eileenelliott6292]

I have had a reproduction of this painting for most of my adult life but never really appreciated it until I saw it in the National Gallery. I stood in front of it for more than half an hour just seeing all the people in it. I never realised that there were so many figures in it. Just wonderful!

[@isabellind1292]

It's very emotional when you see masterpieces! If not for my father's appreciation of great artists, I'd have never known about John Constable. I can't even remember all the great paintings we saw when we visited the National Gallery, it's so overwhelming to take it all in. We did however visit Salisbury Cathedral which my father especially wanted to visit because of the painting by Constable. We are so fortunate to have these treasures for all to see.🎨🖼

[@Amy-tl2xe]

I am American and this is my first introduction to this painting. Stunning and beautiful piece of work. I agree that there is nothing like standing in front of the real thing. We have all seen photos and copies of Albrecht Durer's Great Piece of Turf, but when I saw it at a museum in DC, it almost brought me to my knees.

[@lantonella236]

Well, I know I'm at least three years or so behind, but I adore this curator. Never listened to a more entartaining and knowledgeble orator. Simply thank you, Colin. I hope you're well and still spreading your good- humored love for art around.

[@lunadargent5292]

I first saw and fell in love with this painting when I was 10 yrs old, my mother had a small reproduction hanging in the downstairs powder room. Everyday I would look at it and imagine myself at that spot. It was decades before I knew what this painting was about. I cant thank you enough for the fantastic humorous lecture on Constable. AND now I have added a trip to that spot to my bucket list! 👏🏻😃

[@easygoing2479]

One of my all-time favorite masterpieces. Whenever I've seen any of Constable's works in person, I was amazed at the earthy quality it exudes. You can almost feel the dirt under your feet while in the gallery, and may be tempted to put on a raincoat to keep from being soaked by the moisture in his skies.

[@lidijaberlot7743]

So true!

[@lindickison3055]

Close your eyes - you can smell it!

[@waltraudmacpherson410]

It is absolutely fascinating how this gentleman introduces you to Constable. The voice, the humour and the knowledge one gets on the painter. I thank you so much.

[@worldgeektube]

Really enjoyed the humour and knowledge of this curator. Fresh insights into a painting I thought I knew.

[@Design_Galore]

Couldn't agree more...does anyone know his name or any other video he is appearing in? Thank you.

[@vz6365]

@@Design_Galore Colin Wiggins. There’s a description under the title of this video.

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

To each his own....

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

You knew it as soon as you looked at it properly. All the rest is just tax-funded academia's practice of crushing rocks for a living, as per it serves no practical purpose. Painting is not an intellectual pursuit. It's about creating an aesthetic form, and it is its own language. You understand paintings when you immerse yourself in this language. Everything is on the canvas. You don't even need to know who the artist was. You decide if you like it. It's just you will not see it all at once. Paintings have layers of meaning, especially the older ones, like the Renaissance period.

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

@@Andrew-rc3vh well thanks for the lecture.

[@timbrinkhof4683]

My love and gratitude for the National Gallery for putting these talks onlin!

[@ronisaacs5108]

This is the best lecture on Constable, and indeed English painting, ever !!

[@beinghonest6064]

I Have This Same One

[@margaretfurniss8495]

Totally agree

[@petermccarthy4525]

Excellent presentation. Kicks new life into the painting

[@guidofoc7057]

Italian here, I confess I learned about this painting just recently, bit worried about my UK visa at the moment. Loved all the humor in this speech, thanks for that!

[@bazmac26]

Art appreciation at its best, both informative and entertaining.

[@stevenshackelford1937]

Quickest 31 minutes I have experienced. Just loved this man's in depth presentation. Thank you so very much.

[@nationalgallery]

Thank you for watching, Steven!

[@mariapilarme]

Absolutely beautiful painting! I didn’t know it was that big.

[@theresagreen9855]

This is the first time listening to this teacher he very informative and made his presetation fun. I learned a lot from him. Thanks

[@nationalgallery]

Glad you enjoyed it, Theresa!

[@Jessica-kk1cz]

This guy is really emotional about … Turner. Cracks me up.

[@mikeliteras9128]

Great presentation. Can't remember the first time I saw The Hay Wain but the first Constable I saw was Flatford Mill as a jigsaw puzzle, as a child, 67 years ago. It struck me how much the horse looked like our milkman's. Same bedroom slippers on his hooves. Been hooked on Constable ever since.

[@lalarahmanova6140]

Colin Wiggins is the best curator of the National Gallery. I really enjoy his lectures.

[@frankdavis4836]

Colin is a marvellous curator. He has helped us better understand the historic journey of this iconic painting of English landscape.

[@aatt3209]

Before learning from Wiggins on Constable's 'The Hay Wain,' I took for granted, then radical, display of fresh green fields and lush woodlands, so prevalent in impressionism later. Now I am transformed to learn more about English painters who are influential in the onset of modern art. Thank you so much for this video. I am indebted forever.

[@MossyMozart]

@as tt - If you are still around, the Constable is gorgeous, no doubt, but ignore what this man says about Turner. Turner was an impressionist 50 years before there were Impressionists.

[@MyDaisy66]

Yep we all grew up with a copy of that painting on our hallway walls in the 60s and 70s ….and as my childhood home Is a short bus ride away from the National Gallery, seeing the real thing was quite a shock. But yes I know that painting so so well and it most certainly is in my DNA 😄

[@vivianramsay2527]

I thoroughly enjoyed this narrator, with his genuine, unabashed favoritism of Constable's art! Very un-pc, personally opinionated , but oh so capable of describing and demonstrating Constable's genius! Fun, clever and definitely brilliant! More! Please!!

[@classicartfoundation639]

Even though this is probably the most reproduced Painting in the world, my Nan had one on her living room wall, I should hate it but I love the atmosphere this painting evokes

[@valeriemulholland4282]

Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this lecture. Knowledge and wit make for a memorable presentation. Thank you.

[@77heraclitus]

Colin Wiggins is an eloquent and fantastic guide. Thank you for sharing with all art lovers around the world.

[@bottegadelloscuro]

Not my favorite painter, but this painting is really gorgeous. And Constable’s skies are always astounding. Great lecture, great lecturer

[@kevingodding9316]

I know this is 3 years later but who is your favourite painter 🤔

[@firenzexstr2667]

​@@kevingodding9316I feel they like Dali. Who is your favourite painter?

[@MiaFeigelsonGallery]

Curator Colin Wiggins, if I could only put my feelings into words and thank you for this amazing lecture. 'The Hay Wain' has always been one of my all-time favourite paintings in the collection of the National Gallery and anywhere else as well. Quoting John Constable, I'd say, 'The Hay Wain' is but another way for feeling. Thank you so very much !

[@keithbrooks8613]

A continuing inspiration for us contemporary landscape painters! Keith Brooks

[@outtour2525]

Could listen to this gentleman for hours.

[@tomellis4750]

Glad he was, at the end, joking about Turner. Appreciate The Hay Wain more because of this great talk. I just walked past it. Sat in front of The Fighting Temeraire for over two hours.

[@marcguimaraes]

OMG My mother had this picture behind her sofa in her room. I loved it. I used to imagine myself playing by the house and the clouds ☁️ are just beautiful and so real. I just loved your comments 👍👍🏠❤️

[@nalinigsankar3072]

What an amazing and delightful hour it has been .. spending time with this wonderful curator! So much knowledge with so much humor! I have to to now check out all his videos!

[@susan6406]

Love how he explained this. I don’t have a clue about art but I understood this

[@elyset911]

I really enjoyed the speaker. He was funny, well-spoken, and brought life to the artwork. Thanks for this video!

[@xurupe]

Excellent talk, so informative and full of wit. Thank you for making this available to the public!

[@nataliyagavrilova3329]

Oh my, what a treat! Thank you Colin Wiggins for your humor, knowledge and passion. Now I want to see all your lectures at National Gallery.

[@nationalgallery]

Here's another for you Nataliya! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4eXinqLdq2DgLc

[@enricobianchessi6123]

Fantastic lecture. Passionate and accurate at the same time.

[@andrewfrost8866]

Absolutely fascinating! The curator is pure gold, so knowledgeable and entertaining and brilliant to listen to.

[@jaselim3105]

👏👏👏👍Great speaker. Seeing Constable in new light and what a smart reply by the artist "I don't see any finish in nature..."

[@travelsinchinese640]

I was in Dedham today with my family- Constable Country. We nearly made it to the Hay Wain, but the bridge was broken so we couldn't cross the river. Beautiful!

[@isabellind1292]

Is Salisbury in Constable country?! It's really so beautiful. We visited Salisbury Cathedral which Constable painted and it was really something to be in a place that he loved to paint. He was so truly gifted. 🎨🖼💓

[@JWAChicago]

Brilliant! So refreshing to hear someone who knows what they are talking about, share their opinion while also providing great insight into this work of art. Thank you -- loved this video.

[@retf054ewte3]

this is second time I'm watching this. I like the guy.

[@uwewagschal3912]

Sensational. Your spectators from Germany appreciate your fantastic sense of humor.

[@qmar1980]

This is one of the most beautiful paintings for me. I was so fascinated auditing the National Art Gallery, that I ordered the reproduction of this painting and it’s now at my home hanging above the chimney 😀

[@davidkoblesky]

Wonderful. A really great job talking about a picture and an artist and the time he lived in. Covers a lot in 30 minutes and in a very entertaining way

[@ileananicolari7121]

How marvelous it is when you are able to hear a person speaking as passionate as the curator does on this video 👏👏👏👏👏 could you make a video like this in the future about "old man sitting in a chair" I am deplee in love of the old man sitting in a chair that painting has taught me how to enjoy art

[@peterrobinson7978]

My goodness. this is so engagin. What a brilliant presenter. Brings it all down to earth.

[@andreearistea6012]

i adored this picture of constable from the 1st second i saw it in london! it is pure POETRY!!!! turner it is great but not comparable. this constable and rubens war an peace made my heart beat faster. thank you GOD for letting us see all the jewels in big museums of the world, this is one of lifes pleasures

[@Michajeru]

Love the humour as well as the excellent insights.

[@sunnygirl734]

I had to google he cottage and it really is just like the picture. Just beautiful.

[@cindy8994]

What a wonderful talk! A pleasure to listen to and to watch. Thank you.

[@usetherightbrain.]

nice story; having only been made aware of Constible and Turner a only a few years ago, and after having seen this particular lecture, I was in the NG in 07/2019 wandering between rooms in awe, when suddeningly standing in front of The Hay Wain, and then The Fighting Temeraire, , I was overcome with emotion of having the privilege to seeing them in person rather than on a chocolate box..

[@MossyMozart]

UseTheRightBrain - Forget about what this man says about Turner - he produced stunning work, too. If you think Constable was considered radical, imagine what the art world felt about Turner!

[@SalemVineyard]

The Green pastures with the shaded home. A river flowing through the middle. A very subtle benchmark painting.

[@thomasmclarnon5844]

Colin Wiggins should have his own TV show. He's brilliant

[@maomaoj]

Great lecture, thanks a lot, NG! We are so lucky to have you!

[@DipityS]

Fascinating! Brought to life and relevance by this wonderful speaker. Thank you!

[@georgepetroff867]

Thank you. An excellent, informative, entertaining talk on Constable and The Hay Wain.

[@theresamdk6061]

reading the comments, british wit and humor is something that some people seem not to be accustomed to 🤷🏻‍♀️ but i personally love him! i need him to be my art history lecturer 🙏🏻

[@yunheekwon3565]

Wow wonderful talk! I can feel he loves Constable's work as much as Constable loves nature. It opens my eyes in many ways how English landscape has changed. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and passion.

[@kayfletcher4169]

Really enjoyed this. I’ve visited the site of the Haywain, out of season, and in the rain!

[@annalittle71]

Thank you for these interesting and enjoyable talks. For the sake of feedback, I would love more picture and less wall. More details, for longer moments would also be enriching.

[@russefrance4869]

I lived near Dedham and Flatford and one thing that never ceased to amaze me was when you drove past on the A12 going south and looked left, you were looking at scenes from Constable paintings.

[@suzylux]

This guy's hilariously, miserably, charmingly British!! Love him!! Great insights with some healthy Turner bashing 😂

[@isabellind1292]

Well, I'm surprised Turner was more popular than Constable! I'm more familiar w/Constable even though I'm not well-versed in art but still, Turner's work wasn't enough to ever capture my interest and I feel I better go educate myself now.😊🎨🖼

[@badenjohnson2685]

My grandmother had a print of it in her lounge room, in Melbourne Australia

[@mariec.6568]

Thanks for this lovely lecture. I love this painting, sorry to hear that he wasn’t appreciated much during his time. I love the clouds they look like they’re moving.

[@m.i.miller8008]

This was most enjoyable... great speaker.. could listen to him for hours.. Thank you for posting.

[@anetaburska3078]

Thank you so much for the presentation. It has brought back my memories of Constable's exhibition at the Tate in 1991.

[@lenykoper561]

Really enjoyed your profound and humorous lecture about Constable. I really see a connection with our Dutch hero Rembrandt who was also radical in his way of painting reality and had a hard time before he died. Actually I was inspired to go and watch the actual exhibition of an over-all view of the works of Constable in my town, so I am happy with this lecture so I can enjoy the exhibition even more! Thank you.

[@jof410]

Beautiful!

[@mancal5829]

One of the best talks on this channel. Thank you so much.

[@impartialanalyst4392]

Beautiful presentation. Thank you.❤

[@paulwright9749]

For me, when I first saw it in the flesh, it literally took my breath away! Just loved it!

[@anthonylemkendorf3114]

Fantastic lecture! I really enjoyed every minute!

[@russellhogben6628]

Such a great lecturer.

[@tamaradovgan5318]

Thank you so much from St.Petersbourg,Russia

[@edwardharley9]

Yes.. thanks.. but YOU have the Hermitage......lucky you.....

[@katherinechacon3704]

What a wonderful, intelligent and enjoyable talk!

[@favouritemoon4133]

That was a great little lecture.

[@stanollie65]

Brilliant! If i'd had a teacher like that when i was a kid, i might have actually enjoyed going to school.

[@xitec75]

When he was alive, many people did not notice John Constable. Finally, the people recognize him as a superior painter. On Wikipedia, many of his paintings are available to download, very good as desktop wallpaper, they are somewhat brilliant - his paintings do not catch the scene only, he also catches the feelings and if you take a look at his pictures, his feelings are transported back to the viewer, in many cases very positive. His paintings are very very good.

[@melonarita]

Thank you some much, can't wait to Visit!

[@aryehfinklestein9041]

Enlightening - and love the humor. Thankyou.

[@quinnsine1650]

I have never seen this painting before, but I can say I was very awestruck by it.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Fabulous talk! Thank you, Mr. Wiggins. I love your humorous delivery! You are a marvellous teacher. G Ire

[@veil337]

best series of videos on youtube, hands down...

[@robertblesse5108]

Wonderful talk! Insightful, humerous, filled with information. I really enjoyed this-thanks!

[@johnavanarsdalliimd1079]

This was so entertaining and educational. I enjoyed this immensely !

[@anchoranchor3495]

In nova days you will barely meet someone else who understand Painting on the same level as, for example, Constable had been painting. Really, thank you, Dear Colin!

[@valsainking]

Absolutely lovely insight into the painting and into the artist who created it. I wish I had been there. Thank you National Gallery for sharing this wonderful content with the world.

[@markberryhill2715]

I look at this painting everyday. I have a copy on my wall purchased with S&H Greenstamps in 1973 at a Winn-Dixie grocery store in S.C.

[@dearmaria4654]

Wish I could see this painting one day after quarantine

[@henrilafitte9487]

Quelle qualité de présentation et le tout avec humour ! Je suis retourné admirer le tableau de Constable sur place avec en mémoire ce beau moment de finesse.

[@SNROPQUEYR]

Superb documentary! Colin Wiggins radical approach in detailing famous artists ~ Brilliant!

[@richdoe6136]

Nicely put together .such a beautiful painting and location 🙏

[@luisortizgervasi3820]

Colin Wiggins' talk is a wonderful summary of what we know about J.Constable from long and detailed biographies of the painter like James Hamilton's 'Constable: A Portrait'. In a few minutes, and using 'The Hay Wagon' as a motive, he tells the basic keys for understanding the painter.

[@Ziad3195]

I absolutely adore this video on so many levels!!

[@gidimeir]

What a wonderful delightful talk! Thank you