Artists
2 total works
A compelling introduction to the life and work of William Blake, an exuberant and rebellious personality whose radical vision was deeply concerned with the social, religious and political issues of his age.
William Blake (1757–1827) is renowned today for his eccentric imagination and distinctive style. His poems, prints and paintings — inspired by the visions he claimed to see of angels and demons — reveal a free-thinking radical and a champion of artistic experimentation. His elaborate mythological works directly address the major historical events of his time, including industrialisation, revolution and the transatlantic slave trade, and appeal to modern ideas about liberty and social justice.
This fascinating introduction explores the life and work of Blake. From his early training in draughtsmanship and his pivotal time as an engraver’s apprentice, it traces his incredible career through a selection of extraordinary works, and highlights his lifelong interest in integrating visual art and poetry, which culminated in the experimental printing technique that he used to create his famous illuminated books. An artist dedicated to his work, Blake’s intriguing creative vision, at times both hopeful and apocalyptic, has had a lasting cultural impact that continues to capture the imagination today.
An indispensable introduction to the life and work of James McNeill Whistler, whose atmospheric paintings and aesthetic theories cemented his international reputation as one of the most influential artists of the modern age.
James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903) was an irrepressible force in nineteenth-century art, who swept aside convention and innovated in all aspects of his art and life. Both a combative public figure and the creator of paintings and prints of serene beauty, Whistler was relentless in pursuing his artistic ideals. His name has become synonymous with a certain type of landscape — mysterious, atmospheric and evocative.
This book is a concise introduction to Whistler’s life and work. It charts the development of his career — from his realist scenes of modern life in Paris and London, to his enigmatic portraits and final accomplishments as a printmaker. Bringing together a selection of exquisite paintings, arresting portraits, and works on paper from across the artist's career, it highlights the distinctive attention to composition and display that became central to his artistic identity. Emphasising the key events of Whistler’s life, including his many travels and well-publicised disputes with friends and critics alike, it celebrates a unique artist whose vision and principles defied the conventions of his time.