William Blake's Illustrations for Dante's Divine Comedy : A Study of the Engravings, Pencil Sketches and Watercolors

William Blake's series of engraved illustrations for Dante's Divine Comedy were his last major project and a summation of his religious and artistic beliefs. Unfinished at his death, the series includes seven engravings and 102 unique works in various stages of completion--some of the most beautiful pictures of his career. These pictures are not simple illustrations, but constitute a thorough reinterpretation and--in Blake's view--correction of Dante's poem. This book compares the two men's theological and artistic views and analyzes in detail the meaning of Blake's illustrations, for the firs. Read more... Abstract: William Blake's series of engraved illustrations for Dante's Divine Comedy were his last major project and a summation of his religious and artistic beliefs. Unfinished at his death, the series includes seven engravings and 102 unique works in various stages of completion--some of the most beautiful pictures of his career. These pictures are not simple illustrations, but constitute a thorough reinterpretation and--in Blake's view--correction of Dante's poem. This book compares the two men's theological and artistic views and analyzes in detail the meaning of Blake's illustrations, for the firs William Blake's series of illustrations for Dante's Divine Comedy was his last major project and a summation of his religious and artistic beliefs. Blake intended to engrave this series, but it was unfinished at his death. The series includes seven partially complete engravings and 102 works in various stages of completion--some of the most beautiful pictures of his career. These pictures are not simple illustrations, but constitute a thorough reinterpretation and--in Blake's view--correction of Dante's poem. This book compares the two men's theological and artistic views and analyzes in detail the meaning of Blake's illustrations, for the first time introducing their theological and aesthetic exuberance to a modern audience. Content: Table of Contents Preface Part I: Blake, His Masters and Rivals 1. Why Did Blake Illustrate The Divine Comedy? 2. Views of Blake's Dante, Past and Present Part II: English Dante 3. The Comedy Reaches England 4. The Making of Blake's Illustrations Part III: Blake's Criticism of Dante 5. Marginal Note to Boyd 6. Remarks on the Illustration to Hell, Canto 4 7. "He could never have Builded Dantes Hell" 8. States, Not People Color Illustrations Part IV: The Illustrations 9. Hell 10. Purgatory 11. Heaven Conclusion Chapter Notes References List of Names and Terms