William Blake 1757-1827

By Leila Allan

William Blake, Newton, 1795-1805, Colour print, ink and watercolour on paper, 460 x 600 mm, Tate Collections, London.

William Blake is widely acknowledged to be one of the most significant British artists of his time. An artist whose individuality is unsurpassed, Blake is considered a pivotal figure in the Romantic Age. Blake was both an artist and poet, equally revered in both disciplines, exhibiting the breath of his creative and intellectual abilities. His artistic practices witnessed the convergence of painting, print and poetry in his uniquely complex creations. Born on the 28th of November 1757 in London, Blake was relatively unpronounced and considered a mere eccentric throughout his life, only gaining his revered status after his demise.

Blake’s artistic inclinations began early in his life, entering Henry Pars’ Drawing School at the mere age of ten. He then progressed onto an apprenticeship within the field of engraving, a particularly influential position within Blake’s life as it exposed him to Westminster Abbey, in which his interest in the Gothic was realised. Blake also had a significant interest in ancient masters, and his collecting habits would provide him with print resources to inspire his artistic creations. Blake’s interest in engraving, which had been fostered from a young age, dominated his oeuvre up until his death. In 1779, Blake was accepted to the Royal Academy of Art, providing him an artistic platform of expression, yet equally placing him within the traditional bounds of this institution. 1782 witnessed the marriage of Blake and Catherine Boucher, a marriage that would last for the remainder of the painter’s life.

Blake was deeply influenced by religion and biblical texts, interests that would endure throughout his career. Indeed, Blake’s interaction with biblical texts infused his oeuvre with a profound sense of ethereality. It has been claimed that Blake experienced religious visions which provided a source of artistic inspiration for his engraving and poetry.  The death of his brother in 1787 stimulated an influx of visions which influenced in his artwork, drawing a link between tragedy, religious experience, and artistic creation.

Blake developed the distinct artistic technique of ‘illuminated printing’ in 1788. The technique produced illuminated books which witnessed a convergence of Blake’s artistic and poetic capabilities. An example of Blake’s illuminated prints is Jerusalem (1804-1820), widely considered to be Blake’s most influential work. The early 1800s were challenging for Blake as his work and exhibitions were met with much criticism and he gained little success, both professionally and financially. Blake died on the 12th of August 1827. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of innovation and individuality which would inspire many later artists and poets.  

Bibliography

“William Blake.” Art UK. https://artuk.org/discover/artists/blake-william-17571827#

“William Blake.” Biography. https://www.biography.com/writer/william-blake.

“William Blake.” The Tate Gallery. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/william-blake-39.

“Biography of William Blake.” William Blake: The Complete Works. https://www.william-blake.org/biography.html