William Blake, an unsung genius in his time, has risen posthumously to fame as a cornerstone of Romantic literature and art. Born on November 28, 1757, and passing on August 12, 1827, Blake spent most of his life in London, save for a brief sojourn in Felpham. His career, marked by a profound creative spirit, spanned poetry, painting, and printmaking. Blake's work, rich in symbolism and bold imagination, is celebrated for exploring divinity and the human experience, which he equated with divine expression.
Though regarded as mad for his unique perspectives, Blake's legacy has outgrown the misjudgments of his contemporaries. His poetry and paintings, infused with Romantic and mystical qualities, defy easy categorization. Despite his association with Romanticism and even considered a forerunner by some, Blake's creativity transcended the bounds of the movement, making his work uniquely challenging to define.
An ardent Christian critical of established religion, Blake's inspiration drew from his opposition to the Church of England and the revolutionary fervor of his era, embodying the spirit of both the French and American revolutions. His evolution of thought shows a departure from certain political stances later in life, though his connections, including with political theorist Thomas Paine and mystical thinker Emanuel Swedenborg, underscored his broad intellectual engagement.
Blake's diverse oeuvre resonates with the complexity of his thought, imbuing his art with an enduring relevance that secures his position as a preeminent British artist. Celebrated by modern critics like Northrop Frye for his "prophetic works" and lauded by Jonathan Jones as Britain's finest artistic export, Blake's journey from obscurity to reverence reflects a vindication of his talents. Placing 38th in a BBC poll of the Greatest Britons confirms the lasting impact of his once-underappreciated genius.
Reflecting on Blake's stature, 19th-century scholar William Michael Rossetti revered him as a luminous figure, unparalleled by his peers or successors. Blake's singularity not only enriched the Romantic movement but also carved out a distinctive niche that celebrated imagination and prophetic insight. His life's work remains a testament to the power of creativity against the currents of misunderstanding and indifference.