The Six-Footed Serpent Attacking Agnolo Brunelleschi Possibly 1826 - 1968

Editor: This is William Blake's "The Six-Footed Serpent Attacking Agnolo Brunelleschi," an etching from around 1826. The frantic energy is palpable! What can you tell me about the process of creating something like this and its impact? Curator: Well, the etching process itself is key. Blake's laborious method of acid-biting the metal plate allowed for detailed lines, creating this intense drama. The printmaking process also democratized access, allowing Blake to disseminate his visions, challenging the art establishment of his time and its reliance on exclusive patronage. Editor: So, the material and process were inherently political? Curator: Precisely. Blake's choice of printmaking was a conscious decision, using readily available materials to create art for a wider audience, independent of the traditional art market. What do you make of that? Editor: That really reframes how I see it. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It’s all about understanding the means of production.