West Front of the Church of Oyestraham [Ouistreham], near Caen, Normandy 1820

John Sell Cotman's 1820 drawing, "West Front of the Church of Oyestraham," showcases the artist's keen interest in architectural details and the picturesque qualities of the Norman landscape. Cotman's precise and delicate lines capture the intricate Romanesque arches and stonework of the church facade, emphasizing the building's grand scale and historic significance. The presence of figures in the foreground adds a human element, giving the viewer a sense of scale and the building's ongoing presence in the community. The artwork is an example of Cotman's mastery of watercolor, evident in the subtle tonal variations and the nuanced depiction of light and shadow.