A Dry Dock c. 19th century

John Sell Cotman made this drawing, "A Dry Dock", using graphite on paper. Unlike the fine art of oil painting, drawing was often considered a preliminary process, a way of recording observations. Here, Cotman uses the humble pencil to capture a shipyard scene. Look closely at the marks: see how the pressure varies, creating depth and texture. The quick, light lines suggest a sense of immediacy, as if Cotman were sketching on the spot. The artist may have captured the scene in one of the many shipyards that existed at the time. Shipyards were busy, noisy places, filled with laborers engaged in the physically demanding work of shipbuilding. The drawing hints at the industry and labor involved in maintaining these vessels, the backbone of trade and naval power. By focusing on the everyday activities of the shipyard, Cotman elevates the lives of ordinary workers, reminding us that art can be found not only in grand landscapes or portraits, but also in the world around us.