The River Wensum, Norwich 1814

John Crome made this painting of the River Wensum in Norwich, using oil on canvas, a staple of fine art practice. Crome has used the material qualities of oil paint to great effect, layering translucent glazes to capture the reflections in the water. Notice how the buildings are rendered with a thicker impasto, conveying the rough texture of the brick. This contrast is essential to the overall composition. The river itself was a crucial part of Norwich's economic life, a source of both industry and transportation. Mills like the ones seen here relied on the river's current for power, while boats carried goods and people. Crome’s painting captures the social context, the water reflecting the activity of daily life. The choice to depict this reflects a shift in artistic taste, away from aristocratic portraiture and towards humble genre scenes. In understanding "The River Wensum," it's important to consider the material, the making, and the context. Only then can we fully appreciate the artwork’s depth and meaning.