Author Description

William Blake was one of the most significant figures of the Romantic era. An artist and poet of outstanding originality, Blake's work gave powerful expression to his own visionary universe, as well as to those of authors such as Milton and Dante. Imagination was of paramount importance to Blake: he believed art must proceed from inner visions and not from the empirical observation of nature. Sumptuously illustrated, this beautiful volume presents the National Gallery of Victoria's Blake holdings, which include illustrations for Dante's Divine Comedy, Milton's Paradise Lost and The Book of Job, among other works. It celebrates a creative genius who, through his watercolours, prints and illustrated books, created some of the most compelling and original works of his time. A special pictorial volume with a focus on the NGV's rich holdings of William Blake's work. Features scholarly text by the NGV's Senior Curator of Prints and Drawings, Cathy Leahy. Includes beautiful full reproductions and details of William Blake's remarkable work. Published to coincide with the exhibition to be held at NGV International, 4 April - 31 August 2014.