Ingham Church, Norfolk c. 1815

John Sell Cotman sketched “Ingham Church, Norfolk” using graphite and brown wash on paper. Cotman was part of a generation of artists who turned to the English landscape as a subject worthy of aesthetic consideration. His choice to depict a church resonates with the period’s broader cultural interest in national identity and heritage, reflecting a desire to preserve and celebrate England’s architectural past. But Cotman wasn't simply documenting buildings; he was capturing a sense of place, an atmosphere. Notice how the muted tones create a somber mood, perhaps reflecting on the passage of time and the lives lived within and around the church. This wasn't just about bricks and mortar; it was about the emotional connection people had with their local landmarks, their history, and their community.