William Blake: The Age of Romantic Fantasy Publication

With essays by Alice Insley, Anne Hodge and Christina Morin
Published by the National Gallery of Ireland

William Blake (1757-1827) is one of the most celebrated artists of the Romantic age. His imagery, ideas and writings inspired diverse figures not only during his lifetime, but continue to influence contemporary writers, artists and musicians today.

For the first time in Ireland, the art of William Blake will be exhibited alongside paintings and drawings by British and Irish artists of his time including James Barry, Henry Fuseli, J.M.W. Turner and Francis Danby. In a time of political and social upheaval, events such as Ireland’s 1798 Rebellion, the American and French revolutions and rapid industrialisation affected artists who strove to make sense of the turmoil and chaos of the world around them.

To celebrate this exhibition, we are producing a companion book of essays to illustrate how Blake’s unique visions reflected his era and how they sit within the broader context of what is often termed the age of Romanticism.

The book illustrates the breadth and beauty of William Blake’s art and the richness of his artistic vision as well as that of the artists who influenced him and others who were inspired by him. In addition, it will set his work within the context of Romantic and Gothic art, and will endeavour to show how inspirational his imagery and ideas were to generations of artists and writers. Running alongside the insightful essays are the themes of Horror and Peril; Fantastical Creatures; Enchantments; The Gothic; Romanticising the Past and The Underworld, all beautifully illustrated with full-page and double-page spreads of the key paintings, prints and drawings exhibited.

Alice Insley (PhD, University of Nottingham) is Curator of Historic British Art c.1730–1850 at Tate Britain.

Anne Hodge (MLIS, University College Dublin) is Curator of Prints and Drawings at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Christina Morin (PhD, Trinity College Dublin) is Assistant Dean of Research and Professor of English at the University of Limerick.

144pp, c. 100 colour illustrations, 260 x 225 mm
Hardback
ISBN: 978-1-911716-12-9