瀏覽全部
藝術家

William Blake

William Blake (1757-1827) was a visionary English poet, painter, and printmaker, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of literature and art. Born in London as the son of a hosier, he was largely self-taught. His family was radical politically and non-conformist in religion, attributes that would influence his work. He began his career at age 14 as the apprentice to an engraver, where he stayed for seven years. Early works such as Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience (1794) were printed using his innovative method of relief etching, which combined text and design: he called them illuminated books. Blake's work often explored themes of spirituality, imagination, and the human condition, challenging the conventional norms of his time. Despite facing criticism and obscurity during his lifetime, Blake's innovative approach to art and poetry has earned him posthumous recognition as a pioneer of the Romantic movement.

Blake's oeuvre includes over a dozen illuminated books in addition to his Songs, among them The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1790-1793) and Jerusalem (1804-1820), as well as prints, paintings, and drawings. His influence can be seen in various artistic and literary movements, and his legacy continues to inspire contemporary artists and writers. Today, William Blake is celebrated not only for his contributions to literature and art but also for his visionary perspective that transcended the boundaries of his era.