Who painted Canto III, Verse 201?

Canto III, Verse 201 was painted by William Blake in 1803.

Where can I see Canto III, Verse 201?

Canto III, Verse 201 is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Canto III, Verse 201?

Canto III, Verse 201 is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Canto III, Verse 201?

Museum-quality prints of Canto III, Verse 201 are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Canto III, Verse 201

William Blake , 1803

Canto III, Verse 201 is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1803 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Canto III, Verse 201 is an 1803 engraving by William Blake, a multifaceted English artist and poet whose innovative work laid groundwork for Romantic-era art and literature. Created during Blake's later period, this piece exemplifies his expansion into reproductive engravings alongside original designs.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a woman in a long, flowing dress and wide-brimmed hat, with clasped hands, set against a predominantly dark background. Her attire is rendered with meticulous detail, achieved through cross-hatching. The subject's contemplative pose and the dreamy, symbolic quality of the image align with Blake's preoccupation with visionary themes.

Technique & Style

The engraving showcases Blake's mastery of cross-hatching, a technique involving layered lines to create shading and texture. This method, common in pre-color printing, adds depth to the black-and-white piece, highlighting the figure against the dark backdrop.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1803, during Blake's later creative phase, the engraving's provenance details are not specified here, though it is known to be part of his output from a period spent mostly in London, with a brief sojourn in Felpham.

Context

This work reflects Blake's broader artistic evolution, marked by an intensified focus on imaginative and symbolic expression. It situates him within the burgeoning Romantic movement, though his unique vision often set him apart.

Legacy

Canto III, Verse 201 contributes to Blake's legacy as a visionary artist, influencing subsequent generations with its blend of technical skill and profound symbolic content, characteristic of his impactful yet underrecognized work during his lifetime.