Cenotaph to the Memory of Sir Joshua Reynolds
- Artist: John Constable
- Date: 1833-6
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the Cenotaph to the Memory of Sir Joshua Reynolds by John Constable, painted in the Italian north. Commissioned by Sir George Beaumont in 1812, this monument was built to honor his friend and fellow artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Constable made a pencil drawing of the memorial during his visit to Coleorton Hall in 1823, and later returned to it ten years later to turn it into an oil painting. The result is a beautiful representation of the serene surroundings and the importance of Reynolds' legacy.
Notice how Constable has included busts of Michelangelo and Raphael near the start of the lime avenue, each mounted on a tall tapering block of stone. Although they are not as close to Reynolds' memorial in reality, their placement emphasizes the connection between these great artists.
In the foreground, you'll see a stag, which gives a sense of the wildness of the setting but also creates a false impression of the monument's size. This is an interesting example of Constable's use of perspective and composition.
The painting received a mixed reception at the Royal Academy exhibition in 1836, with some critics praising its unique qualities and others finding it unappealing. Unfortunately, it did not find a buyer, but it remains a significant work in Constable's oeuvre, showcasing his skill and attention to detail.
See it in person
Cenotaph to the Memory of Sir Joshua Reynolds hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
