William Blake. William Blake was a visionary English poet, painter, and printmaker.
He was a key figure in the Romantic movement, known for his unique blend of poetry and visual art. Blake often explored mystical and spiritual themes, drawing inspiration from the Bible, mythology, and his own personal experiences.
He was influenced by the works of William Hogarth and Albrecht Durer. Hogarth's satirical engravings and social commentary resonated with Blake's desire to expose societal ills.
Durer's detailed engravings and woodcuts also inspired Blake's work. His watercolor Gambols of Ghosts sold in 2013 at Sotheby's for $722,000.
Blake's paintings include The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun (Brooklyn Museum), a dramatic and apocalyptic vision, and Ancient of Days (Manchester, England, Whitworth Art Gallery), a powerful and mystical image of God creating the universe. Blake often combined text and image in his works, creating complex and layered pieces that reflected his philosophical and spiritual ideas. Blake's visual art is known for its vivid and imaginative style, which often featured bold colors, intricate designs, and fantastical figures. He worked in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, engraving, and relief etching, a technique he developed himself. Some of Blake's most famous works as an artist include Satan Smiting Job and Oberon, Titania and Puck with Fairi