Art

[bertoby]

How many wheels are there on Constable's Haywain. I looked, and thought 4. But then on closer inspection, I thought it could be 6 or even 8. Does anyone have a clear picture to look at? The ones I see are fuzzy. Any help would be great. Thanks

[joggerjayne]

Interesting question.

i've had another look, but I can only see 4 (including the partly obscured front right wheel).

Assuming the picture was painted from life, a Hay Wain only has 4 wheels, doesn't it? (otherwise it would be difficult for the horses to turn it round a corner)

[ChuckFickens]

4

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/collection/f eatures/potm/2005/aug/img/feature2.jpg

And Jayne, yes it was painted from life, the location is a few miles down the road from me and looks almost excatly the same now (other then there isn't a permanent hay wain in the river obviously)

[bertoby]

Logically yes, there should only be 4 wheels. I thought there might have been a double cart, and therefore could envisage 6 or 8 wheels. Thanks for your help. 4 seems to be the most sensible answer.

[Caribeing]

On my print of The Haywain it looks like four! It is a beautiful painting full of imagery, peaceful and serene! The little dog {what breed is it} is just trotting along in a carefree manner!

[joggerjayne]

Hi CHuck.

I know the location is real.

I wondered if Constable was looking at an actual Hay Wain when he did the picture. I assumed he was.

It must be a nice place to live. Are there "Constable Country" signposts all over the place?

[Peter Pedant]

I can only see three