Westminster from Battersea 

This is David Cox's sepia wash drawing, Westminster from Battersea. Immediately, the structure of the composition impresses itself upon us: a horizontal frieze where the river’s textured surface gives way to a dense band of buildings, all set against a light, almost ethereal sky. Cox organizes the architectural forms, including the imposing Westminster Abbey, into a rhythmic sequence. This treatment of the architectural subject suggests a concern with the interplay of light and shadow. The sepia wash technique creates a sense of atmospheric unity, binding the disparate elements into a cohesive visual experience. The drawing offers a study in tonal variation and texture, making the most of a single pigment. Note how the artist uses wash to subtly suggest depth and distance, inviting an ongoing re-evaluation of our perception and understanding.