Church with a Tiled Roof and Tower 1774 - 1775

Joseph Wright of Derby made this drawing, "Church with a Tiled Roof and Tower," with delicate washes of ink and graphite. Here, the artist explores the interplay of light and shadow on the church's textured surfaces, emphasizing the rough-hewn materiality of the architecture. Each tile, rendered with subtle variations, contributes to the overall sense of depth and volume. Wright's attention to detail in the roof, for instance, contrasts with the smooth walls. Consider the time and labor invested in creating such structures. The process involves quarrying stone, shaping tiles, and constructing walls, all tasks requiring skilled craftsmanship and physical labor. The church itself stands as a testament to human endeavor and faith, reflecting the social and cultural values of its time. Paying close attention to materials, making, and context, enriches our understanding of the artwork, blurring boundaries between fine art and craft.