The Harlot and the Giant 

William Blake created this watercolour, "The Harlot and the Giant," during a time of immense social upheaval. It reflects the complex intersection of sexuality, power, and religion in late 18th-century England. Here, Blake inverts traditional morality. The harlot, often a symbol of depravity, is depicted as an empowered figure. She seemingly controls the giant. A symbol of earthly power, he seems captivated by her allure. Notice too, the beast they ride, adorned with crowned heads. This speaks to the corrupting influence of power and the way it perverts societal values. Blake, deeply spiritual, saw the established church as a source of oppression rather than salvation. In this context, the harlot might represent spiritual rebellion against the established norms. Blake invites us to question the nature of good and evil. The emotional intensity of the scene challenges us to confront our own preconceptions about morality, power, and desire.