John Constable (1776-1837) was an English landscape painter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the Romantic period. Constable is known for his vivid depictions of the English countryside, which he painted with a distinctive style characterized by loose brushwork, bright colors, and a strong sense of atmosphere and mood.

Constable was born in Suffolk, England, in 1776. His father was a wealthy corn merchant who encouraged his son's interest in art. Constable attended the Royal Academy Schools in London from 1799 to 1802, where he studied under the painter and teacher John Thomas Smith.

In 1802, Constable returned to Suffolk and began painting the landscapes that would make him famous. He was deeply influenced by the work of the Dutch landscapists, particularly Jacob van Ruisdael and Meindert Hobbema, as well as the English painters Thomas Gainsborough and Richard Wilson.

Constable's early paintings were not well-received by critics or the art-buying public. His loose brushwork and unconventional use of color were seen as unrefined and lacking in polish. However, Constable persevered and continued to paint the landscapes he loved.

In 1816, Constable exhibited his painting "The White Horse" at the Royal Academy, and it was a huge success. The painting's vivid colors, loose brushwork, and atmospheric effects captured the essence of the English countryside and set the standard for Constable's future work.

In the 1820s and 1830s, Constable's reputation as a landscape painter grew, and he became a member of the Royal Academy in 1829. He continued to paint the English countryside, often depicting scenes of rural life such as haymaking, grazing cattle, and village fairs.

Constable's personal life was marked by tragedy. He married Maria Bicknell in 1816, but their marriage was opposed by her family, who considered Constable to be an unsuitable match. The couple had seven children, but only two survived infancy. Maria died of tuberculosis in 1828, and Constable was devastated by her loss.

Constable died in 1837 at the age of 60. His work had a profound influence on the development of landscape painting in the 19th century, and he is considered one of the greatest painters in English art history.