Old Landscape Drawing

This landscape drawing is dated to the early Victorian era, known as the Romantic period, is dated July 1842. It was created in a combination of an ink pen and wash, similar to a watercolor painting. With the inscription of “Fawley Church, Berks, July 1842,”. Fawley church, also known as The Church of England Saint Mary the Virgin Chruch, Fawley is a Parish church that dates back to the 12th century, located in Buckinghamshire, England. Decorated in the Gothic and Gothic Revival styles, the church remains active and is listed in the National Heritage List in England. This tower was eventually raised to its height in the 16th century and was rebuilt in the 18th century. In the late 1880s, the church was restored and extended, and as such, the present drawing displays some variations from the current architectural elements. This landscape sketch depicts the back tower of the church, which still exists today and can be found in images and photographs of the site.

While this drawing is unsigned, it remains a clear and steady character of the 19th-century British school. The paper of the period displays a reddish hue indicative of the oxidation and aging of this paper and adds a charming, warm character of the monotone wash of greys and black pigments on the sheet.

The sheet measures 10.50 inches in height by 6.25 inches in width.

The sheet displays surface toning, trimmed edges, and a small tear and loss to the lower-left corner edge. The reverse of the sheet displays mount residue and light staining.