This talk examines John Constable’s work during the later period of his life, an innovative but often dark time in his life. Against a background of significant personal and professional challenges Constable tackled familiar themes afresh whilst also diversifying his practice with new subjects. In pursuit of naturalism in landscape he evolved a freer and more expressive style in oil, and more fully explored the possibilities of printmaking. The final years of his life can therefore be seen as some of his most varied, exciting and radical, and are crucial to understanding his overall legacy.