Illustration to Milton`s Comus 1820

This illustration to Milton's Comus was made by William Blake, using watercolor and ink on paper. Blake was a trained engraver, and this background is crucial to understanding his art. Notice the sinuous lines and ethereal washes of color, all rendered with the utmost precision. This wasn't just a matter of aesthetic preference, but a direct result of Blake's engraving background. He applied the same meticulous detail to his watercolors as he would to a metal plate. Look at the fine lines defining the figures, and how each stroke contributes to the overall sense of movement and energy. Blake printed and sold his own work, sidestepping the established art market. This DIY approach allowed him complete control over his artistic vision. Blake challenged the conventional boundaries between art, craft, and commerce. He invites us to consider the labor and skill involved in creating art, and the artist’s position within the wider social and economic landscape.