At Bawburgh 1813

John Crome created this etching, "At Bawburgh," in the early 19th century, a period of significant social and economic change in England. Crome, associated with the Norwich School of painters, captured the local landscape, reflecting a growing interest in the rural environment. But this wasn't just about pretty pictures. The image creates meaning through its depiction of the East Anglian countryside during the early industrial revolution. Norfolk at this time was undergoing an agricultural revolution which saw great change to the landscape. Crome’s choice of subject reflects a self-conscious artistic movement, emphasizing the regional and the everyday over grand historical or mythological themes. Understanding the social and economic context, accessible through historical records and studies of the Norwich School, deepens our appreciation. It reminds us that art is always embedded in its time, reflecting and shaping the values of its society.