William Blake
William Blake was a brilliant poet, engraver and painter, who
lived most of his life in obscurity and poverty. Blake was one the
few artists to rebel in the 18th century against ‘Rationalism’ and
forced a way into ‘Romanticism’. So much so, that he was often
denounced as being mad. He was also known for his brilliant
paintings and engravings that he used to illustrate his poetry.
Having had no recognition of his works, he was sometimes
reduced to writing for others. Though in later years he was
admired by a few young artists, he passed away in 1827, poor
and unknown. At the time of his death Wordsworth wrote of him,
"There was no doubt that this poor man was mad, but there is
something in the madness of this man which interests me more
than the sanity of Lord Byron and Walter Scott." He was buried
in an unmarked grave at Bunhill Fields.
Unappreciated while alive, Blake is now considered a giant in the
history of art and literature. His visionary and extraordinary
approach to all forms of creativity has influenced a generation of
artists.
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