Artist

William Blake

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker, often regarded as one of the greatest figures of the Romantic Age. One of his most notable artistic achievements was his series of watercolor paintings illustrating Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. These vibrant and haunting images captured the essence of Dante’s epic journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, showcasing Blake’s mastery of both form and symbolism. The commission came to Blake in 1824 through John Linnell. Blake’s death in 1827 cut short the enterprise, and only a handful of watercolors were completed. His profound influence continues to resonate across literature, art, and spirituality, cementing his legacy as one of the most innovative and enigmatic figures in Western culture.