William Blake's Universe

A beautifully illustrated book that explores William Blake's relationship with Europe against a backdrop of political turmoil. It reveals that Blake's art is profoundly involved with Europe, as a source of his images and as a vision of the past, present, and future of humanity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd

A captivating exploration of William Blake's profound relationship with Europe, set against the backdrop of political turmoil and social upheaval. Responding to the revolutionary fervor sweeping Europe, the horrors of enslavement and exploitation in its colonies, and the repressive forces at home in Britain, Blake crafted an extraordinary body of work that seamlessly merged criticism of the contemporary world with a visionary quest for universal redemption. While often regarded as a quintessential English figure, it is essential to recognize that Blake's art, across all periods of his career, was deeply intertwined with Europe. From its rich tapestry of imagery to his visionary portrayal of the past, present, and future of humanity, Europe served as a constant source of inspiration for Blake. This meticulously illustrated book, published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum, delves into the core elements of Blake's artistic vision, drawing insightful parallels with his artist contemporaries in Europe, particularly the German artist Philipp Otto Runge. Through their collective efforts, the editors and contributors demonstrate that Blake was not alone in his belief that art had the power to shape a new world in the face of devastating political crises.

Weight: 1384g
Dimension: 290 x 240 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781301272