Church under a hill 1927

Eric Ravilious created this wood engraving, "Church under a hill", a process that involves meticulously carving an image into a block of wood to create a print. Ravilious made this artwork during a period of significant social and political change in Britain. The looming shadow of World War II influenced artists to focus on themes of national identity and the beauty of the English countryside. Here, Ravilious frames the church within a landscape of rolling hills and lush trees, creating a sense of peace and seclusion. There's a certain melancholic quality, a quiet reflection on Englishness, that speaks to a longing for stability during uncertain times. While seeming traditional, Ravilious's use of bold black and white contrasts, and intricate patterns, brings a modernist sensibility to the pastoral scene. He captures both the charm and the underlying anxieties of a nation on the brink of war, making the familiar feel subtly unsettling.