Satan Smiting Job with Sore Boils c. 1826

Editor: This is "Oberon, Titania and Puck with Fairies Dancing" by William Blake. It’s held at the Tate. I’m immediately struck by how dreamlike it feels, almost like a midsummer night’s vision. How do you interpret this work within its cultural context? Curator: Blake challenges traditional religious and social structures. This piece, brimming with pagan imagery, reflects a romanticized view of folklore and the subversive potential of art to critique societal norms. Do you see any hints of that critique here? Editor: Perhaps in the fairies’ wild abandon? It feels like a rejection of rigid social conduct. Curator: Precisely. Blake used art as a vehicle for social commentary, challenging the prevailing ideologies of his time. Understanding that enriches our appreciation. Editor: Absolutely. It’s fascinating how art can act as a mirror to society and a catalyst for change. Curator: Indeed.