The Sepulchral Brass of Robert Braunche and His Two Wives in Saint Margaret’s Church, Lynn, Norfolk, 1364 c. 1818

This detailed drawing by John Sell Cotman depicts a medieval brass memorializing Robert Braunche and his two wives in Saint Margaret’s Church, dating back to 1364. Brass memorials were not paintings or sculptures but were crafted by skilled artisans, who engraved images into large brass plates, which were then inlaid into stone slabs. The act of creation, involving specialized metalworking skills, imbues the artwork with cultural significance, reflecting both artistic expression and social status. The lines and textures communicate a sense of weight and permanence, integral to the sepulchral context. The careful engraving highlights the textures of clothing and delicate facial features, revealing the artisan's skill in manipulating the material. This memorial is a testament to the labor, specialized techniques, and traditions integral to the creative practices of the time. It urges us to appreciate the craft and social history embedded within it.