William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter and engraver considered one of the most original artists of the Romantic era. His work is deeply symbolic, mystical and visionary. Blake believed that art and poetry offered access to higher, spiritual realities. He uniquely combined text and image, often using self-engraved illustrations to accompany his poems, as in Songs of Innocence and of Experience. His art depicts angels, prophets, heavenly and dark forces, often inspired by biblical and mythological themes. Although he received little recognition during his lifetime, he is now regarded as a pioneer of modern art and a prophet of the imagination. Blake's work is timeless: it touches on themes of good and evil, redemption, dream and reality. His influence reaches into contemporary literature, music and visual art. Blake was a visionary artist who created his own spiritual universe.
