How Did William Blake Contribute To Romanticism

William Blake is one of Britain’s most notable painters of the Romantic period. His work in poetry, painting, and engraving was unlike like any other works created during his lifetime. He was a religious person; however, he challenged the church’s ideas. He claimed to have spiritual visions which inspired most of his vivid and imaginative works. His beliefs were expressed through his paintings and illuminated poem illustrations. His painting “Elohim Creating Adam” explains how William Blake expressed Biblical themes in an uncommon and radical way and showcases the dramatic and imaginative Romantic style.
In “Elohim creating Adam,” Blake depicts the line “The Lord God formed man of dust of the ground” from the Book of Genesis. The painting’s
Instead of attending conventional school, he went to drawing school throughout his childhood. When his schooling became too expensive, he started an apprenticeship with James Basire, a conservative engraver, where he studied Gothic art. During his apprenticeship, he sketched Westminster Abbey, a piece of gothic architecture that represented the beauty of God. His time in the Abbey later influenced religious focused paintings. He briefly attended the Royal College of Art where he wanted to succeed in history painting; however, his artwork was too “eccentric” compared to the popular classical style. He rebelled against the styles and mediums the Academy promoted; for example, instead of using oil on canvas, he preferred watercolour and paper. In addition, he only painted biblical scenes rather than popular portraits and landscapes. Later, he worked as an engraver as his full-time
He thought conventional religious practices suppressed natural desires and denied joy. His beliefs are expressed through is poetry and artwork, and his work is often described as “reverent to the Bible but hostile to the Church.”In addition, Blake claimed to have had supernatural visions of God, angels and other religious figures. He believed that art should come from inner visions, not observations from nature and promoted imagination over reason. He believed that science was only a mirror of the self and thought people should take a more creative approach to reveal the world’s truths. His radical thinking could be seen in his poetry where he promoted revolution and condemned social and political