Publisher's Synopsis
Produced to accompany the first major survey of William Blake’s work to be held since 2000, this richly illustrated paperback catalogue celebrates William Blake as a visual artist for the twenty-first century.
Beginning with a comprehensive overview of his work as a printmaker, poet and painter this beautiful exhibition catalogue foregrounds his relationship with the art world of his time and tells the story behind some of the most iconic images in the history of British art. The chronological narrative and biographical focus helps bring together the life and the historical forces at work; and provides a framework for presenting scholarship with an emphatically art historical (rather than literary) focus.
The catalogue contains rich and exciting new research and newly commissioned texts detailing Blake’s life and work, including an original piece by British writer Alan Moore.
William Blake (1757 – 1827) was an English poet and artist. He had a career in etching, engraving and illustration although he received little recognition in his lifetime. Since his death his heroic story has inspired and invigorated generations, his personal struggles, technical innovation, vision and political commitment, are perhaps never more pertinent.
Martin Myrone is Lead Curator, pre-1800 British Art at Tate.
