Classical Combat (recto); Sketch of Male Nude (verso) n.d.

This drawing, titled "Classical Combat" was created by William Blake using graphite and pen with gray ink on paper. Blake made use of the paper's inherent qualities, allowing its texture to subtly influence the appearance of the sketch. The graphite and ink, applied with varying pressure, create a range of tonal values. Blake's process here is more about the energy of the drawing rather than the perfection of the lines; it is visible that the strokes are rough and quickly drawn, as if wanting to catch a fleeting movement. The sketch is of a battle scene, yet the context of its making is a single artist alone in his studio, preparing for larger works. It's fascinating to consider how Blake’s labor manifests in the final composition. The quick marks, the layering, all tell a story of the hand and mind at work. This emphasis on materials, making, and context can help us to expand the boundaries of traditional art history, and challenge distinctions between high art and craft.