William Blake (1757 – 1827)

William Blake (1757 – 1827) was an English poet, artist, and visionary who is now considered one of the greatest figures of English Romanticism. He was born in London, England, to James and Catherine Blake, and showed an early talent for drawing and writing. Blake was a deeply religious and mystical individual, and his work was influenced by the Bible, the works of John Milton, and his own personal experiences.

Blake's art and poetry were highly unconventional for his time, and he struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime. However, his works would go on to influence generations of artists and writers. Today, he is regarded as one of the most important figures in English literature and art.

Early Life:

Blake was born in Soho, London, on November 28, 1757. His father, James, was a hosier, and his mother, Catherine, was a housewife. Blake had four siblings, but only one survived into adulthood. From an early age, Blake showed an interest in drawing and writing, and he attended Henry Pars' drawing school when he was 10 years old.

When Blake was 14, he was apprenticed to James Basire, an engraver, where he learned the skills that would later enable him to produce his own prints and illustrations. During this time, he also studied at the Royal Academy of Arts, but he was critical of its teaching methods and preferred to learn on his own.

Career:

After completing his apprenticeship, Blake began working as a freelance engraver, producing illustrations for books and magazines. He also began to write and publish his own poetry, beginning with "Poetical Sketches" in 1783. His early poetry was heavily influenced by the works of John Milton and other poets of the time, but he soon developed his own distinctive style.

In 1789, Blake published "The Songs of Innocence," a collection of poems accompanied by his own illustrations. This was followed by "The Book of Thel" in 1789 and "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" in 1790. These works, along with his engravings and illustrations, established Blake as a major figure in the Romantic movement.

Blake's work was highly unconventional for his time, and he often explored themes of religion, spirituality, and human emotion in his poetry and art. He believed in the power of the imagination and the importance of intuition and inspiration in the creative process.

In the 1790s, Blake's work became increasingly political, as he became involved in the radical movements of the time. He was a supporter of the French Revolution and opposed the British government's treatment of its citizens. He also advocated for social justice and believed that art and literature could play a role in bringing about change.

In 1800, Blake began work on his most ambitious project, "Jerusalem: The Emanation of the Giant Albion," an epic poem that would eventually run to 100 plates. He worked on this project for the rest of his life, but it was not published until after his death.

Legacy:

During his lifetime, Blake struggled to gain recognition for his work, but he remained committed to his artistic and poetic vision. Today, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of English Romanticism, and his work has inspired generations of artists and writers.

Blake's art and poetry are highly distinctive and often difficult to categorize. His illustrations are characterized by bold lines and vibrant colors, and his poems are marked by their use of symbolism and unconventional structures.

In his poetry and art, Blake explored themes of spirituality, imagination, and the power of the human mind. He believed in the importance of intuition and inspiration in the creative process, and he was committed to using his work to bring about social change.