May-Day in London
1784
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
William Blake
William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.
See the richer artist page1784
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
May-Day in London is a 1784 ink by William Blake, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a busy street scene on May Day in London. People in old-fashioned clothes are dancing, drinking, and holding hands. Above them, kids peek out windows, and signs advertise shops and a concert. The crowd looks lively, with some holding wine bottles and others playing instruments. The title at the bottom says it’s from 1784, and the artist’s name is Blake. The lines and shading create a sense of movement and energy, typical of this style. Next, explore engraving to see how artists use lines to build depth and detail.
William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.
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