The Daughter of Men Becomes a Siren c. 1824 - 1827

William Blake sketched "The Daughter of Men Becomes a Siren" using graphite, reflecting his lifelong engagement with spiritual and mythological themes. Blake lived during a time of social and political upheaval, including the French and American Revolutions. This environment deeply impacted his views on authority, freedom, and the human spirit, all of which are visualized here. This drawing wrestles with the complex representations of women, symbolized through the figure of the siren. Blake challenges conventional depictions of female beauty and sexuality. His siren isn't merely a seductress; she embodies a transformative power, blurring the lines between human and mythical. Blake seemed to be interested in spiritual transformation. What do you make of the shift from 'daughter' to 'siren'? Consider the artwork's emotional resonance and how it invites us to consider the roles and transformations assigned to women.