Kirby Cane church, Suffolk 

John Sell Cotman sketched Kirby Cane Church in Suffolk, capturing not just a building but a vessel of enduring symbols. Dominating the structure is the tower, a motif stretching back to ancient watchtowers and ziggurats, representing both earthly power and spiritual aspiration. In Christian architecture, it serves as a beacon, guiding worshippers and proclaiming the church's presence in the landscape. Note the cross atop the roof. This potent emblem, originating in early Christian iconography, transcends its purely religious meaning, evolving into a universal symbol of sacrifice, redemption, and hope. Consider the Egyptian ankh, a symbol of life, or the Roman crux immissa; these visual forerunners echo humanity's persistent quest for meaning beyond mortality. Cotman’s sketch is a document of cultural memory, a testament to how symbols morph, adapt, and persist across time, resonating within our collective psyche.