Constable painted at least three versions of this composition, one of which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1820. The lighthouse, known as the Low Lighthouse, was one of two at Harwich. Both were leased at the time by Constable's friend and patron, Major-General Slater-Rebow of Wivenhoe Park.

 

These small-scale coastal subjects in the Dutch manner were popular with collectors. A few years later Constable painted a composition of Yarmouth Jetty (displayed nearby) on the same format, and even used the same sky. He also made several versions of this composition.