A Castle in Normandy
c. 1800–1842 · graphite · Sheet: 18.6 x 26.6 cm (7 5/16 x 10 1/2 in.)
Cotman, A Castle in Normandy, c. 1800–1842. graphite.
Cotman, A Castle in Normandy. The keep seen at its corner, each face receding its own way.
The Cleveland Museum of Art · Dudley P. Allen Fund
How to look at a Cotman
- Squint at a Cotman until it becomes a jigsaw of three values. Notice the pieces are large and few.
- Follow the main arch at Rievaulx and find the two springing points. The curve is constructed, not guessed.
- In the Normandy castle in graphite, count the stones actually drawn. Then notice where they are: edges, openings, near the ground.
Draw this
4 studies of this work
Master studyCotman
A Castle in Normandy
A ruin's skyline drawn with more care than anything else
2.5h- Foundation
Cotman · Unit 4
Two-point perspective
A building seen at its corner
1h - Foundation
Cotman · Unit 5
The ruin
A master copy of A Castle in Normandy, then the structure of Rievaulx
1.5h - Capstone
Corot · Unit 7
Fusion: the abbey in morning air
A Gothic ruin drawn with the draughtsman's accuracy, standing inside Corot's three divisions
3h
