Ships at Yarmouth 

Editor: This is John Sell Cotman's "Ships at Yarmouth," a pencil drawing. It feels very fleeting and ephemeral to me. What symbols do you see at play in this sketch? Curator: Notice how Cotman quickly captures the essence of Yarmouth, a port bustling with maritime activity. The ships themselves are potent symbols of trade, exploration, and connection, carrying echoes of journeys and commerce. Editor: So, the ships evoke travel and trade? Curator: Precisely. But also consider Yarmouth's historical role. These ships aren’t just vessels; they’re emblems of a community shaped by the sea, carrying a visual history of ambition, risk, and resilience. Editor: I never thought about it that way. I'll remember that.