‘A Rolling Stone is ever Bare of Moss’ Possibly 1821 - 1977

Curator: This intriguing wood engraving is titled ‘A Rolling Stone is ever Bare of Moss’ by William Blake. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the contrast. The intense, almost frantic energy of the figure against the static, imposing facade of the building. Curator: Indeed. Consider Blake’s process, the labor involved in carving this design into wood, mirroring the figure’s own toil. Editor: And the proverb itself, rendered visually, suggests a deeper reading: the rolling stone, free of moss, perhaps signifies a life unburdened by societal expectations. The house looming behind...that’s established wealth and fixed identity. Curator: The rawness of the engraving, its stark black and white, underscores the social commentary. Blake was deeply critical of the inequalities of his time. Editor: Yes, and look at the tree on the right. Its presence suggests a connection to nature, in contrast to the rigid architecture. It is as if Blake wanted to show us what is really important: freedom. Curator: A potent statement, even now. Thanks for pointing out the tree. Editor: It makes you wonder: are we the rolling stone or the moss?