Sketch of Octagon Recess with Columns 

George Cruikshank drew this sketch of an octagon recess with columns on paper, using ink. The linear quality emphasizes the architectural structure with columns and arches. The material’s smooth surface allows for fine, precise lines, while the ink creates stark contrasts, highlighting the geometry. Cruikshank wasn't just an artist; he was also a social commentator, often depicting the lives of ordinary people and commenting on the social issues of his time. Here, the architectural design shows the rise of industrialism, but also the labour and class involved in the production of architectural monuments. Consider that the labour and materials needed to construct such a recess would have involved many hands, from quarrying the stone to carving the details. This contrasts with the ease of sketching it on paper. The work invites us to consider the relationship between the artist's vision and the socio-economic realities of building such a structure.