View Near Albury 1645

Wenceslaus Hollar made this print titled 'View Near Albury' in 1645 using etching. The serene scene of the English countryside belies a period of immense social and political upheaval. Made during the English Civil War, Hollar's landscapes offer an interesting perspective on the conflict. Hollar worked for aristocratic patrons. The orderly landscapes can be seen as a commentary on the desired social order, one threatened by the ongoing conflict between the monarchy and parliament. The detailed rendering of the landscape, a valued commodity and a signifier of wealth and status, emphasizes what was at stake for the elite during this tumultuous time. The church spire signals the importance of religion in the war's conflict. To fully appreciate Hollar's work, we need to consider the historical context. Researching the patronage system, social hierarchies, and political ideologies of 17th-century England helps us understand how art served as a reflection and commentary on society.