Early Life and Influences:
* Family Background: Blake's father was a hosier (stocking maker) and his mother, a devout Christian, instilled in him a strong religious upbringing. This would later influence his artistic and poetic themes.
* Early Education: Blake received a basic education but was largely self-taught. He was an avid reader of the Bible, Shakespeare, and Milton, which shaped his understanding of language and imagery.
* Apprenticeship: At 14, he apprenticed with an engraver, learning the techniques of printing and illustrating. This early exposure to visual arts and printing was crucial to his development as an artist.
Early Career and the "Illuminated Books":
* Early Artistic Work: Blake began experimenting with painting and poetry in his youth, creating his own unique style.
* Marriage and Artistic Partnership: He married Catherine Boucher in 1782. She was an integral part of his artistic journey, serving as his model and assistant.
* The "Illuminated Books": These were a unique form of art Blake created. He hand-painted and engraved his poems, creating visually rich books like "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience." This combined his artistic talents and pushed the boundaries of traditional bookmaking.
Later Years and Artistic Recognition:
* Artistic Vision: Blake was a visionary artist, often criticized in his time for his unconventional style and unconventional themes. He believed in the power of imagination and often challenged traditional artistic norms.
* Limited Commercial Success: Despite his talent, Blake never achieved widespread commercial success during his lifetime.
* Legacy: After his death, Blake's work began to gain recognition, and he is now considered one of the most important Romantic poets and artists.
Key Points:
* Blake was self-taught, deeply influenced by religion and literature.
* His unique artistic vision was developed through his early apprenticeship in engraving and his passion for creating "illuminated books."
* Though he didn't achieve widespread recognition in his lifetime, his artistic vision and innovation made him a highly influential figure in art and poetry.