Explorations in the footsteps of Turner, Cotman, Ruskin and others with Professor David Hill
This is the eighth article in a series cataloguing John Sell Cotman’s first series of etchings, published in 1811. Here we turn to plate 5 and retreat into a backwater of deepest Norfolk. John Sell CotmanSouth Burlingham Church, Norfolk, 1810Private collectionPhotograph: Professor David Hill This is an impression of a copper-plate etching of an upright … Continue reading Plate 5, South Burlingham Church, Norfolk
This is the thirteenth article in a series cataloguing John Sell Cotman’s first series of etchings published in 1811. Here in plate 10 Cotman offers us a second subject at Rievaulx Abbey, though no less retiring than the first. John Sell CotmanRievaulx Abbey, the Refectory Doorway, Yorkshire 1810Private collectionPhotograph: Professor David Hill This is an … Continue reading Plate 10: Rievaulx Abbey, the Refectory Doorway, Yorkshire
This is the twelfth article in a series cataloguing John Sell Cotman’s first series of etchings published in 1811. Here, plate 9 takes in another Yorkshire abbey, and Cotman continues his quest to find a quiet corner in which to immure himself. John Sell CotmanKirkham Priory, Yorkshire 1811Private collectionPhotograph: Professor David Hill This is an … Continue reading Plate 9: Kirkham Priory, Yorkshire
This is the eleventh article in a series cataloguing John Sell Cotman’s first series of etchings, published in 1811. Here, plate 8 offers another Yorkshire subject, and the first location of genuine renown. Typically, however, Cotman finds an obscure corner to depict, so much so that it has resisted proper identification until now. John Sell … Continue reading Plate 8: Rievaulx Abbey, Yorkshire
This is the tenth article in a series cataloguing John Sell Cotman’s first series of etchings, published in 1811. Here, plate 7 takes us to another obscure corner of Norfolk. John Sell CotmanNorth Creake Abbey, Norfolk, 1810Private collectionPhotograph: Professor David Hill This is an impression of a copper-plate etching of an upright architectural subject featuring … Continue reading Plate 7: North Creake Abbey, Norfolk
This is the ninth article in a series cataloguing John Sell Cotman’s first series of etchings, published in 1811. Here, plate 6 returns us to York, to sketch in the grounds of St Mary’s Abbey. John Sell CotmanSt Mary’s Abbey, York, 1810Private collectionPhotograph: Professor David Hill This is an impression of a copper-plate etching of … Continue reading Plate 6, St Mary’s Abbey, York
Introductions are normally best written last. At this stage, however, the outcome of this project remains at best distant, and at worst doubtful. It seems useful to offer at the outset a brief – if necessarily sketchy -overview of the etchings that follow. ‘Etchings by John Sell Cotman’ is the artist’s first essay in the … Continue reading ‘Etchings by John Sell Cotman’: An introduction
This is the second article in a series cataloguing John Sell Cotman’s first series of etchings, published in 1811. Here we begin with the frontispiece, a cornucopia of his graphic capabilities and variety of motifs. . John Sell CotmanEtchings by John Sell Cotman: Title page, 1811Private collection This is an architectural capriccio featuring a monumental … Continue reading Title Page to ‘Etchings by John Sell Cotman’
This is the third article in a series cataloguing John Sell Cotman’s first series of etchings, published in 1811. Here, in the dedication plate, Cotman makes a handsome tribute to one of his most important early patrons, and also gives full rein to his courtly romanticism. John Sell CotmanDedication Page to ‘Etchings by John Sell … Continue reading Dedication Page to ‘Etchings by John Sell Cotman’
This is the fourth article in a series cataloguing John Sell Cotman’s first series of etchings, published in 1811. Here, in the first plate, Cotman gives advance warning that this series will be a little out of the ordinary. Instead of making a grand entrance, he rather shuffles onto the stage. Instead of making some … Continue reading Plate 1, Beeston Priory, Norfolk
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