View on the Wensum at King Street, Taken from Foundary Bridge 1810 - 1818

John Thirtle made this watercolor titled "View on the Wensum at King Street, Taken from Foundary Bridge" in England sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Notice how the artist gives us a slice of life in Norwich, emphasizing its architecture along the river Wensum, a hub of local activity. The picturesque aesthetic seen here reflects the broader cultural values of the time, particularly the burgeoning interest in landscape and the relationship between nature and society. England’s urban centers were rapidly changing due to industrialization. Works like this one showcase a sense of nostalgia for the pre-industrial way of life. Thirtle here seems to be creating a commentary on these social structures of his time, showing us the beauty of Norwich while the world around it was changing. As historians, we look to sources like local records, period newspapers, and other visual materials to contextualize artworks like this, revealing a more complete view of the world that shaped their creation.