Prophet, poet, painter, engraver ª¤ William Blake (1757ª¤1827) was an artist of uniquely powerful imagination and far-reaching creative gifts. His work expresses the spiritual drama of the English national being, integrating poetry and visual art in a sustained work of visionary creativity unparalleled in English art history.
Revealing Blake to be far more than a revolutionary social radical, this classic study reshapes our understanding of the artistª¡s achievement. Kathleen Raine details the enriching effect of mystical, alchemical and gnostic philosophy on Blakeª¡s art. She unravels the complex, deeply felt symbolism expressed in his paintings and prints, and describes the powerful impact of his reading of Dante, Milton and the Bible.
Raineª¡s compelling and accessible text guides the reader through the life and thought of this extraordinary artist. Fully alive to the uniqueness of Blakeª¡s art ª¤ which has ªa reality, a coherence, a climateª¡ all its own ª¤ she introduces famous work such as Jerusalem, Songs of Innocence and of Experience, The Four Zoas and The Book of Job, relating them to Blakeª¡s world view and explaining their prophetic qualities, their fierce energy, and their central place in British Romantic art.
Revealing Blake to be far more than a revolutionary social radical, this classic study reshapes our understanding of the artistª¡s achievement. Kathleen Raine details the enriching effect of mystical, alchemical and gnostic philosophy on Blakeª¡s art. She unravels the complex, deeply felt symbolism expressed in his paintings and prints, and describes the powerful impact of his reading of Dante, Milton and the Bible.
Raineª¡s compelling and accessible text guides the reader through the life and thought of this extraordinary artist. Fully alive to the uniqueness of Blakeª¡s art ª¤ which has ªa reality, a coherence, a climateª¡ all its own ª¤ she introduces famous work such as Jerusalem, Songs of Innocence and of Experience, The Four Zoas and The Book of Job, relating them to Blakeª¡s world view and explaining their prophetic qualities, their fierce energy, and their central place in British Romantic art.
