Christ Blessing the Little Children 1799

Editor: Here we have William Blake's "Christ Blessing the Little Children," currently residing at the Tate. The figures seem ethereal, almost floating in this idyllic landscape. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: Blake, a radical dissenter, used biblical scenes to critique power structures. Consider the children: are they merely innocent, or do they represent potential challenges to established authority? Note also the maternal figures; how might their presence complicate a solely patriarchal reading? Editor: So, it’s less about simple piety and more about societal critique? Curator: Precisely. Blake often subverted expectations, challenging viewers to question the very foundations of religious and social norms. Viewing it through this lens, does the work shift for you? Editor: Absolutely. I hadn’t considered the rebellious undertones. Thanks, that's given me a lot to think about!