John Sell Cotman, 1782-1842.
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Abbey Church of the Holy Trinity at Caen. East side of the South Transept. 1820. Etching. Image: 9 1/2x 12 3/4 (sheet 13 3/8 x 19). Series: Architectural Antiquities of Normandy by John Sell Cotman; Accompanied by Historical and Descriptive Notices by Dawson Turner, Esq. F.R. and A.S. Plate 29. Published in London by J. & A. Arch. A fine impression printed on cream wove paper. Signed and titled in the plate. $75.
Abbey Church of the Holy Trinity, Caen. Interior of the Nave, Looking West . 1820. Etching. Image: 9 1/4 x 14 1/2; plate: 10 7/8 x 15 1/2 (sheet 13 3/8 x 19). Series: Architectural Antiquities of Normandy by John Sell Cotman; Accompanied by Historical and Descriptive Notices by Dawson Turner, Esq. F.R. and A.S. Plate 30. Published in London by J. & A. Arch. A fine impression printed on cream wove paper. Signed and titled in the plate. $75.
John Sell Cotman (1782-1842) was an English landscape painter (mainly in watercolour) and etcher. He moved from Norwich to London in 1798, aged 16, and became a member of Dr. Monro's circle. As far as is known, he had no formal tuition in art, but by 1800 he was already accomplished enough to have six of his watercolours accepted for the annual Royal Academy exhibition.
Between 1800 and 1805 he made several sketching tours to Wales and Yorkshire and these resulted in some of his finest works. They did not bring him much success, however, and in 1806 he returned to his native city, where, together with Crome, he became the most important representative of the Norwich School. As well as depicting local scenery, he made several trips to France, which bore fruit in Architectural Antiquities of Normandy (1820), one of various books he illustrated with his etchings.
In 1834 he moved to London to become professor of drawing at King's College, a position he held until his death. He was delighted to be offered the post, as he often had difficulty in making a living with his work and he was in debt.
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