A Dry Dock c. 19th century

John Sell Cotman's "A Dry Dock" (c. 19th century) is a pencil sketch that captures a fleeting moment in a shipyard. The work is notable for its loose and gestural lines, characteristic of Cotman's style. The composition is dominated by a dry dock, its structure indicated by a series of simple, yet expressive, lines. The artist's focus on the dock's form and its relationship to the surrounding landscape evokes the sense of a bustling and dynamic space, a hallmark of Cotman's depictions of industry and nature. This small-scale sketch is a testament to Cotman's ability to capture the essence of his subjects with economy and precision.