Gezicht op een pastorie en een meer in Ampfield before 1866

This is "View of a parsonage and a lake in Ampfield" by William Savage. Though undated, it was most likely created in England during the first half of the 19th century. The print shows a tranquil country scene, which, in its time, embodied a conservative vision of social order. The Church of England played a central role in the political and social life of the country. The local priest was not only a spiritual leader, but also often a magistrate, a landlord, and a figure of social authority. Savage presents the church as a familiar and comforting presence in rural England. The image normalizes the structure of rural society. To truly understand the artwork, we must consider the cultural norms and social institutions of its time. The resources of social history – local records, church documents, estate papers – can provide us with insight into the historical meaning of this image.