Artwork
William Blake
William Blake is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Luigi Schiavonetti. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate: Painted by T. Phillips RA; lower right in plate: Engraved by L Schiavonetti VA; lower center in plate: William Blake / London, Published by R. H. Cromek, 64, Newman St. May 1st 1808
About this work
Overview
This print is a portrait of William Blake, created by Luigi Schiavonetti in 1808 through the etching process.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts William Blake with curly hair and a serious expression, wearing a dark coat and white shirt. The image conveys a sense of introspection, with his hands tucked inside his sleeves.
Technique & Style
The etching technique allowed Schiavonetti to achieve a detailed, sketch-like quality, particularly around Blake's face and hair. The use of acid to carve the design into metal enabled the creation of a printed image with textured lines.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Luigi Schiavonetti (1765–1810) was an Italian artist, born in Bassano del Grappa.
