Execute Magazine

Artist a Day: WILLIAM BLAKE 

Artist a day! WILLIAM BLAKE (1757-1827)  Blake was born on November 28, 1757. Blake was born into a family of reasonable means. His father, James, was a hosier, and the family lived in a respectable neighborhood in London.

Watercolor on paper, 1820

The Youthful Poet's Dream

Blake's Works

William was one of the seven children born to James and Catherine Wright Blake. William Blake was known as an English poet, painter, and printmaker. Vastly unrecognized during his lifetime.

Ink and watercolor on paper,  23.3 x 16.8 cm, 1794

The Ancient on Days

Blake's Works

Blake is now regarded as an important figure in the history of the poetry and visual art of the Romantic Age.

Watercolor engraving on paper,  600 x 460 cm, 1795

Isaac Newton

Blake's Works

Besides painting, Blake made books of his poems which he illustrated. The most renowned works is a book named  Songs of Innocence and Experience. The "The Lamb" poem is regarded as a poem on Christianity. In the first part, the speaker, a child, asks the lamb how it came into this world.

Etching, 140 x 152 cm, 1825

Songs of Innocence

Blake's Works

The Lamb BY WILLIAM BLAKE Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee Gave thee life & bid thee feed. By the stream & o'er the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing wooly bright; Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice! Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee

Tempera on panel, 21.5 x 16 cm, 1820

The Ghost of a Flea

Blake's Works

The Lamb BY WILLIAM BLAKE Little Lamb I'll tell thee, Little Lamb I'll tell thee! He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Lamb: He is meek & he is mild, He became a little child: I a child & thou a lamb, We are called by his name. Little Lamb God bless thee. Little Lamb God bless thee.

Source: The Complete Poetry and Prose of William Blake, edited by David E. Erdman (Anchor Books, 1988)

Pen and Watercolor, 530 x 374 cm, 1827

The Lovers Whirlwind

Blake's Works

“It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.”  “He whose face gives no light, shall never become a star.”  “In the universe, there are things that are known, and things that are unknown, and in between, there are doors.” 

Famous Quotes by  Gustav Klimt

Watercolor on paper, 43.2 x 34.8 cm, 1805

The Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun

Blake's Works

Pen and watercolor, 1820

The Goblin

Blake's Works

43.3 x 32.5 cm, 1825

The Body of Abel Found by Adam & Eve

Blake's Works

43.2 x 32.6 cm, 1826

Satan Smiting Job with Boils

Blake's Works

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