Upwell Rectory, Norfolk 1816

John Sell Cotman created "Upwell Rectory, Norfolk" using graphite, capturing the essence of rural England during a period of significant social transformation. Cotman's detailed rendering of the rectory, a symbol of establishment and order, invites us to reflect on the hierarchies embedded within the English landscape. As the Industrial Revolution swept through England, artists like Cotman found themselves drawn to the serene beauty of the countryside, perhaps as a form of resistance or escapism. The rectory itself speaks to the entrenched power structures of the time, where the church held considerable social and economic influence. Cotman's choice to depict this scene with such precision encourages us to consider the emotional weight of place, and how buildings can embody the stories of those who inhabit them. As you reflect on this piece, consider the lives intertwined with this rectory, and the broader narratives of land, power, and identity that shape our understanding of history.