John Sell Cotman, British, 1782-1842
after William Henry Harriott
Title: The Citadel above Namur, Belgium, from the River Sambre
Date: 1830s
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Dimensions:
26.6 x 41.2 cm
Credit Line: Presented, Dr F. Fleischmann, 1894
Object Number: NGI.2017
DescriptionCotman was one of the most original landscape watercolourists of the early nineteenth century. Like Turner, he attended Dr Munro's 'Academy', spending evenings alongside other young artists, copying from works by earlier masters. This picturesque watercolour, dating to the mature period of his career, is notable for its crisp, fresh colours and accuracy of line. The ancient town of Namur in southern Belgium, (later badly damaged in two world wars) is dominated by the thirteenth century fortress. Local detail, including fishing nets dangling from poles and a woman hanging bedding out to air, gives the scene a sense of immediacy. The inclusion of two red capped boatmen in the foreground cleverly leads the eye into the composition.