Blake and Antiquity

William Blake, a brilliant and enigmatic artist, was influenced by Neoplatonism, Gnostics, alchemy, and astrology. Kathleen Raine's book explores how Blake rejected conventional orthodoxy and searched for symbols to expand his mind's awareness into a spiritual state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

William Blake (1757-1827) was a remarkable individual who inhabited a profound inner world, which he vividly brought to life through his poetry, painting, and printmaking. Blake and Antiquity, written by Kathleen Raine, places this brilliant and enigmatic artist within the Western esoteric canon, revealing his profound indebtedness to Neoplatonism, the Gnostics, alchemy, and astrology. In this insightful book, Raine demonstrates how Blake rejected conventional orthodoxy and embarked on a quest to explore the occult traditions of antiquity in search of symbols that could expand his mind's awareness into a spiritual state where space, time, and even death are transcended.

Blake's unique perspective and artistic vision were influenced by a wide range of sources, including his own personal experiences, his religious beliefs, and his fascination with the occult and mystical traditions of the past. He was deeply influenced by the works of Plato, John Milton, and other classical thinkers, as well as by the writings of the Gnostics, alchemists, and astrologers.

One of the key themes in Blake and Antiquity is the idea of the "Divine Image," which Blake believed was the ultimate expression of God's creative power. He believed that the human soul was capable of experiencing a direct connection to this divine image, which could lead to a state of spiritual enlightenment and transcendence. Blake's poetry and art are filled with images of the divine, including angels, demons, and other supernatural creatures, which he used to explore the complexities of human nature and the relationship between the spiritual and the material world.

Another important aspect of Blake and Antiquity is the role that he played in the revival of the esoteric tradition in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Blake's work was seen as a radical departure from the conventional artistic and literary norms of his time, and he was often criticized and misunderstood by his contemporaries. However, his influence on later generations of artists, writers, and thinkers was profound, and he is now recognized as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of English literature and art.

In conclusion, William Blake (1757-1827) was a remarkable artist who inhabited a profound inner world, which he brought vividly to life through his poetry, painting, and printmaking. Blake and Antiquity, written by Kathleen Raine, provides a valuable insight into the life and work of this enigmatic artist, revealing his profound indebtedness to the occult and mystical traditions of antiquity and his vision of a spiritual state where space, time, and even death are transcended. Blake's unique perspective and artistic vision continue to inspire and influence artists and thinkers today, and his work remains a testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691252100