The Copperplate Magazine Vol. II 18th-19th century

Curator: This is a plate from The Copperplate Magazine, Volume II, created around the turn of the 19th century by John Walker. It depicts Canterbury, as seen from a slightly elevated perspective. Editor: It has an almost dreamlike quality. The soft etching creates a nostalgic atmosphere, like gazing at a memory. I'm curious about the social dynamic between the village and the towering cathedral in the background. Curator: Indeed. Walker’s choice to position Canterbury Cathedral, a seat of religious and political power, alongside the pastoral scene invites us to consider the Church’s influence on everyday life. Editor: The placement of the thatched house in the foreground, juxtaposed with the cathedral, also speaks to the stark societal hierarchies of the time and the marginalization of commoners. Curator: Absolutely. And the image was distributed in a magazine, making art accessible. It's fascinating to consider who the audience was and what ideas about class and power they might have brought to their viewing. Editor: Looking at Walker’s work allows us to consider class dynamics in the 18th century. I find this meditation on the political structures of Canterbury to be deeply thought-provoking.