William
Blake

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker who is now considered one of the greatest figures of the Romantic Age. Born in London, Blake showed an early talent for drawing and writing, and attended the Royal Academy of Arts. He worked as an apprentice to an engraver, where he honed his skills in both engraving and painting. Blake was largely self-taught, and his unique style would go on to set him apart from his contemporaries.

Blake's poetry often dealt with themes of religion, politics, and the human experience. His most famous work, "Songs of Innocence and Experience," is a collection of poems exploring the contrasts between the innocence of childhood and the corruption of adulthood. Blake's beliefs in the power of imagination and the importance of spiritual truth are evident in his work, which often incorporated vivid imagery and mystical symbolism. Despite facing financial difficulties and public indifference during his lifetime, Blake continued to produce a significant body of work that has since come to be regarded as some of the most original and visionary in English literature. His influence can be seen in the works of later poets such as William Wordsworth and Allen Ginsberg, and his artistic legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and writers.