William Blake

William Blake was a famous 18th century English artist, poet and printmaker. The poet was highly inclined towards art, and was always encouraged by his parents. At the age of ten, he was sent to one of the best institutions, so that he could excel in his passion. Later, he trained under printmaker, James Basire, showing innovation and dexterity in the art of etching. He pursued his higher education in painting and illustration from the 'Royal Academy of Arts', where he became more politically and socially conscious. After his father's demise, he began working independently writing and illustrating his own poems, while also working for other famous writers. He established a new technique of engraving, known as relief etching, where the text and its illustrations were illuminated on a copper plate, using a variety of acidic and non-acidic media. Though this poet remained unappreciated throughout his life, he produced many masterpieces, like 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', and 'Daughters of Albion'. He is also famous for his illustrations, particularly his last unfinished project, which is a pictorial representation of renowned poet Dante's literary work, ‘Divine Comedy’. This distinguished writer-illustrator's works have now become the benchmarks for any aspiring artist and poet