William Blake context:
Romantic Period and its influences:
● Blake was a prominent figure in the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion,
imagination, and individuality in contrast to the Enlightenment's focus on reason and
logic.
● The Romantic era saw a growing interest in nature and a critique of the Industrial
Revolution, which Blake also reflected in his work.
Social and political:
● Blake was deeply influenced by the social and political turmoil of his time, including the
French Revolution, the rise of industrialism and the plight of the working class.
● French Revolution = Due to social inequality with taxation, economic hardship and
financial crisis and enlightenment ideals who wanted individual rights. It was a symbol of
how the oppressed could seize power from the privileged and Blake was hoping for the
same for England.
● He was a critic of established institutions like the Church and the government, and he
often explored themes of oppression and inequality.
● His poetry and art often reflect his belief in the power of individual imagination and
creativity.
Blake’s unique vision and artistic style:
● Blake was a polymath, a person of wide knowledge and learning, known for his poetry,
art and printmaking.
● He created his own unique style of illuminated printing, combining text and imagery to
express his poetic visions.
His works often feature symbolic imagery, allegorical characters, and mystical themes,
reflecting his interest in spiritual and philosophical ideas. Allegorical characters =
figures in a story, play, or work of art that represent deeper, symbolic meanings, often
related to moral, political, or religious ideas.
● Blake’s poetry explores the duality of innocence and experience, often contrasting the
joys of adulthood with the harsh realities of adult life.
Key influences and inspirations:
● Blake was influenced by various sources, including the Bible, the works of philosopher
Emmanuel Swedenborg, and the art of artists like Michaelengelo and Rapheal.
Swedenborg = He was drawn to Swedenborg's spiritualism and the concept of a divine
love.
● He also drew inspiration from the natural world, incorporating landscapes, animals, and
human figures into his art.
●
Romantic Period and its influences:
● Blake was a prominent figure in the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion,
imagination, and individuality in contrast to the Enlightenment's focus on reason and
logic.
● The Romantic era saw a growing interest in nature and a critique of the Industrial
Revolution, which Blake also reflected in his work.
Social and political:
● Blake was deeply influenced by the social and political turmoil of his time, including the
French Revolution, the rise of industrialism and the plight of the working class.
● French Revolution = Due to social inequality with taxation, economic hardship and
financial crisis and enlightenment ideals who wanted individual rights. It was a symbol of
how the oppressed could seize power from the privileged and Blake was hoping for the
same for England.
● He was a critic of established institutions like the Church and the government, and he
often explored themes of oppression and inequality.
● His poetry and art often reflect his belief in the power of individual imagination and
creativity.
Blake’s unique vision and artistic style:
● Blake was a polymath, a person of wide knowledge and learning, known for his poetry,
art and printmaking.
● He created his own unique style of illuminated printing, combining text and imagery to
express his poetic visions.
His works often feature symbolic imagery, allegorical characters, and mystical themes,
reflecting his interest in spiritual and philosophical ideas. Allegorical characters =
figures in a story, play, or work of art that represent deeper, symbolic meanings, often
related to moral, political, or religious ideas.
● Blake’s poetry explores the duality of innocence and experience, often contrasting the
joys of adulthood with the harsh realities of adult life.
Key influences and inspirations:
● Blake was influenced by various sources, including the Bible, the works of philosopher
Emmanuel Swedenborg, and the art of artists like Michaelengelo and Rapheal.
Swedenborg = He was drawn to Swedenborg's spiritualism and the concept of a divine
love.
● He also drew inspiration from the natural world, incorporating landscapes, animals, and
human figures into his art.
●
