Why did John Constable begin painting on a larger scale after 1817?

John Constable began painting on a larger scale after 1817 primarily to secure professional recognition and provide for his growing family. Following the birth of his son in December 1817, Constable needed to establish himself more firmly in the art world to ensure financial stability.1

By shifting to large-scale canvases, he sought to align his work with the expectations of grand academic painting of the period. This strategic move proved successful; his large-scale Stour scene, The White Horse, which he exhibited at the 1819 Royal Academy, garnered significant public attention and critical approval. This achievement was instrumental in his election as an Associate of the Royal Academy.1