William Blake was a non-conformist, but his followers, known as the
Ancients, were solidly Anglican. Inspired by the example of Blake's
visionary landscape, they attempted to find expressions of their spirituality
in the Kent countryside.
Palmer's Coming from Evening Church represents a peaceful,
Christian Arcadia with the village church at the heart of the community.
This image underlines the influence of Blake but also the ancient
Roman poet Virgil, who promoted the harmonious, pastoral existance
as beneficial for body and soul.
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