William Blake
William Blake (1757-1827) was a printmaker, English poet, and painter. In the history of the visual arts and poetry of the Romantic Age, William Blake is known as a seminal figure.
His life:
William Blake was born on 28 November 1757 in a respectable working-class family in Soho, London. He was the child of James and Catherine Hermitage. Both had seven children, and two of their children died in infancy. His mother, Catherine, used to look at their children and his father, James, used to sell stockings and gloves for their livelihood.
From a young age, he was an evident prodigy and a strong-willed boy. He used to spend most of his time on the streets of London. For this, he used to abscond from school most of the time. He used to observe drawings of Greek antiquities and try to copy the painting works. He was influenced by Raphael and Michelangelo's work and tried to develop his poetry interest. His life was not much complicated at the time of his childhood. He was living a pleasant and peaceful life. But at the age of eight, he faced visions issues and claimed that he could see angels on wings or trees similar to stars. But his parents recognized his passion and ambition towards artistic painting and made him join the Henry Par drawing academy when he was only ten years old. This academy was a well-reputed preparatory school at that period, and it had many young artists.
His Training period:
William Blake faced difficulties in Henry Par drawing academy as they increased their expenses after some time. After that, he was apprenticed to James Basire for five years. James Basire was a famous engraver to the Society of Antiquaries, who taught him to value the training. He learned many things from his training, like on-site drawings of Gothic monuments and others. Later, he spends much of his time studying Renaissance art and medieval art, and he was very much influenced by the artwork of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Dürer.
When he reached 21 age, he joined the Royal Academy. At this time, Blake worked on various publications, like Don Quixote as a commercial engraver.
When he reached the age of 25, he got married to Catherine Boucher. But the couple had no children. His wife used to help him learn the skill of writing, reading, drawing, and design.
His Notable work:
The Ghost of a Flea: It is a miniature painting. This painting was published between 1819 to1820. And, this work was measuring 8.42 by 6.3 inches. Presently, it can be found at Tate Gallery, London.
The Ancient of Days: This painting was published in 1794. Blake has named this painting from one of God's titles in the Book of Daniel.
The Night of Enitharmon's Joy: This painting is also known as "The Triple Hecate or Hecate." This painting shows the nightmarish scene with fantastic creatures. And it was published in 1795.
The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with Sun: This painting was published in 1805.
William Blake took his last breath on 12 August 1827 at Fountain Court off the Strand. Blake's later poetry contained complex symbolism and private mythology, which has not gained more popularity as neglected work. But the publication of the Life of William Blake has changed Blake's reputation in the world of the painting. He had contributed many creative works. If you want to have his creative works, then you can look for professional services.