In society today we applaud William Blake for his masterful poetry and detailed illustrations. His work is studied still, generations after it was made, yet Blake’s peers of the 18th century labeled him as merely a madman. What made Blake so revolutionary was that he would take the social traditions and events occurring during his life and criticize them through his artwork. He blatantly displayed his disagreement with the norm and this caused discontent within society. Ultimately, Blake used his artwork as a social commentary on the aspects of his time period, and in doing so, revealed his own character.
The role of gender and sexuality in society was a topic Blake openly disagreed with. In a time where women were meant to stay in the home and care for the kids, Blake believed this was a great social injustice. He asserted, through artwork like Oothon and Bromian Enchained Before Theotormon, that women should not be treated as inferior creatures but given the respect they deserve. Moreover, another commonly held belief was that sexuality was a lustful sin and should be stifled to protect the fragile psyche of the woman. Blake contended, on the other hand, that sexuality should be thoroughly embraced and celebrated. This idea is seen in his work The Circle of the Lustful where lovers are portrayed kissing and embracing. Blake’s criticism of society suggests he was confident in his beliefs, despite the condemnation he would undoubtedly receive in return. His artistic commentaries also suggest Blake to be a thoughtful and intelligent man, not a raving lunatic.
Perhaps the biggest aspect of society that Blake criticized was the institutionalized Church. Blake defended the notion that the Church focused on the glorification of ceremony and procedure when it should have focused on love and faith. Blake held great disgust for the repressive Church and its authoritarian leaders, such as the pope, shown most blatantly in his art Lucifer and the Pope in Hell (shown above: Stahl 5). One other painting highlighted Blake’s belief that the Church was a deceptive governing body: The Number of the Beast is 666. In this painting, the Church is suggested to lead its people directly into the hands of Satan. As one can imagine, criticisms like this did not go over well with society. The main point though is that Blake boldly asserted his beliefs through his artwork, unafraid of the consequences. He was clearly influenced by the events of his time, and skillfully used his art as an in-depth commentary and analysis of what was socially accepted. The insights of this “madman” held truths that perhaps society just didn’t want to believe.
Prompts:
1) William Blake expressed his beliefs on gender and religion through his artwork. If you were to critique society, how would you express yourself (what modes, would you be discreet or blatant, etc.)? What aspects would you criticize? You may choose to write a narrative to explain this.
2) Are all artists influenced by the beliefs and events of their times? Is it possible not to be influenced by what is happening around us? If not, are we merely a product of society?
3) Choose one or more of Blake’s works shown in the presentation and create a story explaining what you see. Be creative.
Oothon and Bromian Enchained Before Theotormon: http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e27/dr_mindbender/Blake77.jpg
Circle of the Lustful: Francesca da Ramini: http://www.huma3.com/repository/reviews/William_Blake.jpg
The Number of the Beast is 666: http://www.apocalyptic-theories.com/gallery/beast/blakebeast2bg.jpg
Europe, a Prophecy: http://www.britsattheirbest.com/images/cr_blake_ancient_of_days_38.jpg
Satan Watching the Caress of Adam and Eve:http://biblioklept.org/2008/03/
The Whirlwind: Ezekiel’s Vision of the Cherubim and Eyed- Wheels:
http://fullhomelydivinity.org/articles/angels.htm
