Church and State n.d.

John Leech created this small watercolor and ink drawing, "Church and State," likely as a preparatory sketch for a larger engraving. The materials themselves – humble paper, basic pigments, and pen – speak to the work's origins in the world of mass media. Leech was a key figure in the rise of illustrated journalism, providing biting social commentary for publications like *Punch* magazine. His skill was in quickly capturing likenesses and distilling complex issues into memorable images. Here, the bloated figure of the Church is sheltered by the umbrella held by a diminutive State. The loose, flowing lines of the watercolor suggest a scene caught on the fly, but the caricature is carefully constructed to make its point. It speaks volumes about power, class, and the uneasy relationship between religious authority and political power. Leech's work reminds us that even seemingly ephemeral works on paper can carry significant cultural weight, blurring the lines between fine art and visual communication.