A rich examination into the creative process of an idiosyncratic Romantic-era visionary through the lens of one of the great collections of his work

William Blake (1757–1827) is one of the most recognizable names in British art and literature. The mythological, spiritual, and pastoral themes of his visual art and poetry influenced such contemporaries as Samuel Palmer and John Linnell, and they have served as sources of inspiration for twentieth-century luminaries as well, including Allen Ginsberg, Bob Dylan, and Patti Smith.

Showcasing the breadth and depth of the Yale Center for British Art's collection of Blake's works, this volume features exquisite reproductions of his paintings, watercolors, prints, and selections from his illustrated books, including the only hand-colored copy of the epic poem Jerusalem. It also presents newly commissioned essays that explore Blake's biography, poetry, painting, and printmaking, as well as employing innovative digital humanities tools to highlight his unique artistic process in a manner that will engage the general reader and expert alike.

Distributed for the Yale Center for British Art

Exhibition Schedule:

Yale Center for British Art

(August 26–November 30, 2025)