WILLIAM BLAKEBy Mackenzie Rhead

ROMANTIC PERIODLate 1700’s- Early 1800’sA time for creative minds and

expression of emotion. The Romantic period expressed:

Individuality Deep love of natureBiblical (religious) ideas

American Revolution 1776French Revolution 1789

WILLIAM BLAKE

Artistic views and powerful imagination Romantic author and artist Abolitionist During his early years, he’s focused on his

drawings. He began writing poems when he was an

engraver. Critics labeled him ‘insane’ and a ‘satanist'

WILLIAM BLAKE TIMELINE Born in London, England

November 28, 1757 At the age of 14 he got a job as an

engraver’s apprentice. His art style came from the Gothic Churches

(Westminster Abbey) October 8, 1779

Blake became a student at the Royal Art Academy

WILLIAM BLAKE TIMELINE CONT.Marries Catherine Boucher

August 18, 1782He continued to engrave

as a living.1800 taught himself

Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Italian.

WILLIAM BLAKE TIMELINE CONT. In 1818, Blake became more

recognized when he met John Linnell. Was accepted into a group “Shoreham

Ancients”.

WILLIAM BLAKE’S TIMELINE CONT.

1825, He was commissioned to illustrate Dante’s Divine Comedy

He finished 7 of the engravings He died August 12, 1827

INFLUENCED Some of Blake’s works were said to be early children’s literature He created relief-sketching His art style inspired a lot

of graphic novels and comic books (Alan Moore)

IMPORTANT WORKS

“Poetical Sketches” 1769-1777

“Songs of Innocence” 1789

“Songs of Experience” 1794

“A POISON TREE” I was angry with my friend:

I told my wrath, my wrath did end.I was angry with my foe:I told it not, my wrath did grow.

And I waterd it in fearsNight & morning with my tears;And I sunned it with smiles,And with soft deceitful wiles.

And it grew both day and night,Till it bore an apple bright.And my foe beheld it shine,And he knew that it was mine,

And into my garden stoleWhen the night had veiled the pole;In the morning glad I seeMy foe outstretchd beneath the tree.

William Blake

IMPORTANT WORKS CONT.

Bible Illustrations:

IMPORTANT WORKS CONT.

“The Marriage of Heaven and Hell” 1790-1793

“Jerusalem” 1804-1820

CITATIONS

I’ll get to them in a minute…