‘For him Our Yearly Wakes and Feasts We Hold’ Possibly 1821 - 1977

Editor: This is William Blake's print, ‘For him Our Yearly Wakes and Feasts We Hold.’ It's quite small, and the contrast between light and dark gives it a dramatic feel. What story do you think Blake is trying to tell? Curator: Considering Blake's radical politics, this idyllic scene challenges the social hierarchy of his time. The revelry could be read as a subtle protest against the constraints imposed on the working class, don't you think? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't thought about it as a form of resistance. Curator: Blake often infused his art with social commentary. The figures' liberation in dance contrasts starkly with the rigid structures behind them, posing questions about societal roles and freedom. Editor: So, it's not just a celebration, but a statement. I’ll definitely look at Blake’s work with a new perspective now.