Leatherhead Church, Near Epsom, from the Northeast 1806

John Constable made this pencil sketch of Leatherhead Church, near Epsom, in the early 19th century. It depicts a modest parish church nestled in the English countryside. The church, a central institution in rural society, represents stability and tradition. Constable's choice of subject reflects the conservative nature of English society at the time, a nostalgic view of rural life in the face of industrialisation. The Church of England was closely tied to the landed gentry, reinforcing the existing social hierarchy. Constable himself, despite his artistic innovations, held conservative political views. He was suspicious of radical reforms that threatened the old order. This sketch, with its gentle lines and emphasis on the familiar, embodies that sensibility. By studying historical documents, local records, and the artist's own writings, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, society, and the institutions that shape them. We can then discuss the public role of art. We can better understand the social conditions that shape artistic production.