Thorn 1789

"Thorn," a 1789 work by the English artist John Robert Cozens, is a pen and wash drawing that embodies the romanticism of the late 18th century. The composition features a single large tree on a hill, with smaller trees and shrubs scattered throughout the landscape. The trees are depicted in a swirling, almost abstract style that emphasizes the feeling of atmospheric depth and the organic nature of the subject. The scene is bathed in soft light, further contributing to the dreamlike and evocative atmosphere of the artwork. Cozens, who was influenced by the works of Claude Lorrain, was renowned for his atmospheric landscapes, which often focused on the effects of light and weather. This work, like many of his others, captures the ephemeral beauty of nature, creating a sense of wonder and tranquility in the viewer.