Porch and Belfry of Thurgarton Church, Norfolk c. 1810

John Sell Cotman, a prominent figure in the Norwich School of painting, captured the architectural details of Thurgarton Church in Norfolk, England, around 1810 in this pencil drawing. Cotman was known for his romantic and atmospheric renderings of English landscapes and architecture, and this piece showcases his skillful use of line and shading to depict the weathered timbers and thatched roof of the church's belfry. The drawing's minimalist aesthetic and focus on architectural details are characteristic of Cotman's style. The inclusion of a solitary figure in the foreground adds a sense of scale and human presence to the scene.