The Baffled Devils Fighting Possibly 1826 - 1968

Curator: William Blake's "The Baffled Devils Fighting" presents quite the scene. I'm struck by its raw, almost unsettling energy. Editor: Absolutely, it feels turbulent. The figures seem caught in a moment of profound disorientation and struggle, mirroring societal chaos. Curator: Blake often uses wings to denote the spirit and human aspiration; what do these broken, angular forms suggest to you? Editor: Their distorted wings imply a loss of direction, maybe a failed rebellion against established power structures, reflecting the revolutionary period. Curator: The figures are juxtaposed against a more orderly background, with figures on a bridge. It's like two realms facing off. Editor: Exactly! This piece embodies the clash between idealized potential and the brutal realities of revolution, something Blake engaged with deeply. Curator: A dense piece, filled with symbols. Editor: Indeed, a potent reminder of the complexities within revolution and its impact on collective identity.